Precautionary measures

Precautionary measures have been taken around the world against a possible global flu pandemic which could deal another blow to the world economy already knocked into a deep downturn by the financial turmoil.

According to WHO, no other countries have reported suspicious cases so far.

Up to now, no countries or global bodies have issued travel bans to Mexico, but some countries alerted travelers to learn about the information on the flu outbreak.

Costa Rica's Health Minister Maria Luisa Avila said Saturday that her country has issued a flu alert throughout the country and asked the Pan American Health Organization for a supply of antiviral drugs, especially Oseltamivir by the brand name of Tami flu, to combat a possible outbreak spread from neighboring Mexico.

In Honduras, Health Minister Carlos Aguilar said Saturday it may quarantine passengers with flu-like symptoms. The capital Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, two main port cities in the country, will be the main area of surveillance, the minister said.

Chile ordered a sanitary alert that included airport screening of passengers arriving from Mexico. Those showing symptoms will be sent to a hospital for tests.

In Peru, authorities will monitor travelers arriving from Mexico and the US, and people with flu-like symptoms will be evaluated by health teams, Peru's health ministry said.

Brazil will "intensify its health surveillance in all points of entry into the country," the Health Ministry said in a statement. Measures will also be put in place to inspect cargo and luggage, and to clean and disinfect aircraft and ships at ports of entry.

The Stockholm-based European Center for Disease Prevention and Control on Saturday expressed concerns about the swine flu cases, saying it stood ready to lend support in any way possible.

A British Airways cabin crew member was taken to a London hospital after developing flu-like symptoms on a flight from Mexico City, which was the first such reported precautionary measure in Britain.

In France, a government crisis group began operating Saturday. The government has already closed the French school in Mexico City and provided French citizens there with detailed instructions on precautions.

The Netherlands has advised any traveler who returned from Mexico since April 17 and develops a fever over 38.5 Celsius degrees within four days of arriving in the country to stay at home.

The Polish Foreign Ministry has recommended that Poles postpone any travel plans to regions where the outbreak has occurred until it is totally contained.

Some Asian countries and regions have also stepped up checks on passengers with flu-like symptoms.

Japan has stepped up health surveillance in its international airports, while the Philippines said it will quarantine travelers with fevers who have been to Mexico. Health authorities in Thailand and China's Hong Kong said they were closely monitoring the situation.

Health experts have advised people to wash hands frequently, stay away from people with flu-like symptoms and avoid large gatherings.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2009)