WHO raises swine flu alert to level 4 of 6
The WHO raised its pandemic alert level to phase 4 over the deadly swine flu virus, indicating a significant increased risk of a pandemic, a global outbreak of a serious disease.
Important if you stay or travel to Belize: Inform you self, stay calm and be prepared
Mexican officials are asking citizens to avoid large crowds, refrain from kissing and shaking hands and maintain a distance of at least six feet from each other amid growing concern over new cases of suspected and confirmed swine flu infection. Mexicans are thronging to local hospitals and temporary emergency clinics for treatment and testing. Mexico City municipal police have been spotted bearing automatic weapons in the country’s capital as emotions begin to rise in the body public. Many citizens have taken to wearing surgical masks in order to avoid contagion.
With several Buses, Cars and Planes traveling every day from Mexico City to Chetumal and Cancun we have to be very careful because this are transfer destinations for many Belize Visitors and just a few miles next to our Border.
“Belizeans going to Mexico? What we are highly recommending is that you go unless it is a case of emergency.” ( Dr. Paul Edwards, Epidemiologist, 27.April 2009 on www.7newsbelize.com )
Treatment
The US CDC says that two flu drugs, Relenza and Tamiflu seem effective against the swine flu. Both drugs must be taken early, within a few days of the onset of symptoms, to be most effective.
Current Swine Flu Situation in Central America
The neighboring countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize are taking preventative measures. Guatemala has set up a clinic at its Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to treat symptoms. Nearby Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica have also taken measures, while Nicaragua has halted the importing of food products made from pork. Eating pork has yet to be linked to contracting swine flu.
Current Swine flu Situation in Guatemala: Spanish news agency EFE claims there have been no reported cases of swine flu in Guatemala, but the nation has ordered tighter "epidemiological" control of its northern border with Mexico.
Swine flu Situation in Belize: There have been no documented cases of swine flu in Belize, and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority has not yet issued any official notice.
Our Tips to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Buy a stock of 10 dispensable masks at your pharmacy, to stock them at your home.
The prince Range from 25 cents each to 3 Belize Dollars each. - Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, we recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Masks from Belizean Pharmacy's:25 cent Belize Mask
Belize Dollar 2.25 Mask
We are monitoring the swine flu situation closely on this blog and will blog news as soon as they arrive.
Last Update 28. April 8:45 am
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