MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US travel alert to Argentina because of the H1N1 virus

Travel plans should be discussed with doctor, recommends State Department

The United States Department of State has sent out a travel alert to US citizens travelling to or residing in Argentina on the health risks associated with the World Health Organization (WHO)-declared 2009-H1N1 influenza pandemic, which has resulted in illness in numerous countries. The current outbreak in Argentina has caused federal, provincial, and municipal authorities to announce several measures to prevent the illness from spreading.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that US citizens at high risk for complications of influenza and considering travel to areas affected by 2009-H1N1 influenza, such as Argentina, discuss their travel plans with their doctor.

“Together, they should look carefully at the 2009-H1N1 flu situation at their destination including available health-care options in the area. They should discuss their specific health situations and possible increased risk of travelling to the area affected by 2009-H1N1 flu”.

The Government of Argentina has announced a 263 million US dollars effort to take action against the influenza outbreak. All of Argentina’s 23 districts and the city of Buenos Aires have extended school vacations, some by as long as a month. Twelve of Argentina’s districts, including the Province of Buenos Aires and the city of Buenos Aires, have declared administrative health emergencies.

Throughout the country, authorities advise against attending events involving large gatherings of people. The media is issuing public health advice on a continuing basis. The federal government is updating measures on a daily basis and has not ruled out more restrictive actions.

As of July 6, the Ministry of Health had reported 2,485 confirmed cases of 2009-H1N1, including 60 deaths. These figures are updated daily. Currently, there is insufficient international scientific data about the course of the pandemic to determine the highest risk groups for complications of novel influenza A (2009-H1N1) virus infection.

According to medical authorities, the same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications should also be considered at higher risk for 2009-H1N1 influenza complications.

The US State Department Travel Alert expires on September 14, 2009.