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Source: http://www.kvue.com/news/state/stories/082609kvue_swine_flu_mexico-cb.1198709f9.html
Mexico City shares lessons from swine flu outbreak
05:53 AM CDT on Wednesday, August 26, 2009
By ANGELA KOCHERGA / KVUE News
With students back in school, health authorities expect a resurgence in the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu.
As the US prepares for flu season, Mexico City is sharing lessons from the outbreak. Mexico City got a crash course in the new H1N1 virus this spring.
Dr. Armando Ahued Ortega, the director of Mexico City's health department told us he remembers those first deadly cases well.
Schools and businesses closed to keep the flu from spreading. He credits the action for a quick decline in flu cases. But that's not the plan this fall.
Instead, Mexico will close individual classrooms after three students become sick -- an entire school when three classes are infected. The advice for businesses: Keep sick employees home.
Mexico City was an important link in the original swine flu outbreak because of the heavy concentration of people, but also the extremely efficient transportation system. It links the capital city to the rest of Mexico and the world.
The airport there is the largest in Latin America and a huge hub for the US. Passengers will be screened by thermal cameras set to be installed before flu season starts.
Health officials warn anyone with symptoms to seek immediate medical care. Mexico now knows many of the people who died of the flu waited too long to get treatment.
The capital is not counting on having the vaccine in time. So the city is stockpiling antivirual medication and pushing prevention tips, including frequent hand washing.
And all those face masks? Unnecessary. Only those who are sick or in close contact with someone who has the flu should wear one this fall.
Mexico City shares lessons from swine flu outbreak
05:53 AM CDT on Wednesday, August 26, 2009
By ANGELA KOCHERGA / KVUE News
With students back in school, health authorities expect a resurgence in the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu.
As the US prepares for flu season, Mexico City is sharing lessons from the outbreak. Mexico City got a crash course in the new H1N1 virus this spring.
Dr. Armando Ahued Ortega, the director of Mexico City's health department told us he remembers those first deadly cases well.
Schools and businesses closed to keep the flu from spreading. He credits the action for a quick decline in flu cases. But that's not the plan this fall.
Instead, Mexico will close individual classrooms after three students become sick -- an entire school when three classes are infected. The advice for businesses: Keep sick employees home.
Mexico City was an important link in the original swine flu outbreak because of the heavy concentration of people, but also the extremely efficient transportation system. It links the capital city to the rest of Mexico and the world.
The airport there is the largest in Latin America and a huge hub for the US. Passengers will be screened by thermal cameras set to be installed before flu season starts.
Health officials warn anyone with symptoms to seek immediate medical care. Mexico now knows many of the people who died of the flu waited too long to get treatment.
The capital is not counting on having the vaccine in time. So the city is stockpiling antivirual medication and pushing prevention tips, including frequent hand washing.
And all those face masks? Unnecessary. Only those who are sick or in close contact with someone who has the flu should wear one this fall.
