Swine Flu in Mexico

Travel Health WarningTravel Warning: Swine Influenza and Severe Cases of Respiratory Illness in Mexico — Avoid Nonessential Travel to Mexico This information is current as of today, April 30, 2009 at 10:49 EDT
Updated: April 27, 2009
Current Situation
As of April 27, 2009, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. CDC has confirmed that seven of 14 respiratory specimens sent to CDC by the Mexican National Influenza Center are positive for swine influenza virus and are similar to the swine influenza viruses recently identified in the United States.
On April 25, the WHO Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the rules of the International Health Regulations. CDC and state public and animal health authorities are currently investigating 20 cases of swine flu in humans in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the U.S. cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. At this time, only two of the 20 cases in the U.S. have been hospitalized and all have recovered, but deaths are reported to have occurred in Mexico. CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States.
CDC Recommendations
At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes to this recommendation will be posted at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates.
If you must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu:
Stay Informed
Check updates from the:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Secretaria de Salud,
World Health Organization
Monitor announcements from Mexico’s Ministry of Health and local government including information about affected areas, as not all areas are equally affected.
Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
Be aware that Mexico is checking all exiting airline passengers for signs of swine flu. Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports.
Swine flu screening has been instituted at airports and land borders for travelers departing Mexico, according to Mexican health authorities. Passengers showing symptoms of swine influenza will be asked to submit voluntarily to physical examination and further evaluation, if needed.
United States
At this time, the United States is not conducting enhanced entry screening of passengers arriving from Mexico, nor is the United States conducting exit screening of passengers departing for Mexico.
The Department of Homeland Security will provide Travel Health Alert Notices to US travelers going to and coming from Mexico at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings. These notices provide advice to travelers on how to reduce their risk of getting sick, the symptoms of swine flu, and what to do if the traveler becomes sick.
CDC will provide all ill passengers and their contacts arriving from Mexico with Travel Health Alert Notices. These notices provide advice information regarding seeking health advice from a physician and how to prevent illness in persons who have been exposed but who are not ill.

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx

Continuation of Cinco de Mayo History!

The popularity of Cinco de Mayo has increased in recent years. The tradition, which originated in Mexico, is now celebrated throughout the world. What is Cinco de Mayo and how can people take part in the celebration?
In the 1860s, Emperor Napoleon III sent troops to Mexico to protect the interests of France in the region. However, on May 5th, 1862, a unit of 4,500 Mexican soldiers, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defended the city of Puebla against a force of 6,500 French troops. Since this time the country has celebrated Cinco de Mayo (or the fifth of May) to honor the victory in Puebla.
A number of events signify Cinco de Mayo. There are parades, dancing and mariachi music throughout Mexico. Colorful streamers decorate homes and places of business for various parties, which include a variety of games and, for the young and old alike, piñatas that are filled with candy.
Of course Cinco de Mayo is not complete without a taste of Mexican cuisine. Traditional foods such as quesadillas, fajitas and rice and beans are a favorite during the celebration. Empanadas, pastries filled with meats and vegetables, are also a must-have.
Whether you’re in Mexico or celebrating the festivities elsewhere, Cinco de Mayo is a fun event to celebrate with family and friends. Bring out your sombrero, maracas and a hearty appetite and prepare to kick back and have an exciting time.

http://www.life123.com/holidays/more-holidays/may-holidays/celebrating-cinco-de-mayo.shtml

Festivities During Cinco De Mayo

Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated though out the country, but very especially in the state of Puebla and in Mexico City.
There are military parades as a way of paying tribute to all the heroes, soldiers and civilians that gave their lives for their country. Schools participate in parades too. It takes months of rehearsal and preparation for marching bands to perform and compete among others to be the best. Parades are so popular that people wake up very early and rush to the streets seeking a good spot to watch and enjoy them.
In the Peñón de los Baños, a small barrio or neighborhood in Mexico City, very near the airport, the people organize a very popular representation of the Cinco de Mayo battle. This play is a tradition that the people of the Peñón have kept alive for many years. Some of the inhabitants play the French invaders and others the Mexican army. They even have fights with real gunpowder rifles! And sometimes they do get hurt.
Each city has a Zócalo, where celebrations take place and people of all ages enjoy themselves. The square livens up with music, laughter and vibrant colors.
Families with young children are the first to arrive. Later the young people will fill up the place.
No celebration can be complete without food. A few days before the big event, hundreds of stalls start aligning on the streets near the Zócalo of all the towns. Restaurants all over offer the most representative of Mexican cuisine: Mole Poblano. A thick spicy sauce that comes from blending more than 40 ingredients, and is spread on top of turkey or chicken and Mexican style red rice. Mole is so popular that it is served on nearly every important occasion.
There are usually shows in the squares where there are dancing and music with the ever so popular mariachi bands. Everybody is there to have fun and make noise with whistles and rattles and horns. In most towns there are fairs set near the squares where people enjoy the rides and play games.
Cinco de Mayo ends with the traditional shouts of ¡Viva Mexico! and people looking forward to the next National Holiday: El 16 de Septiembre Día de la Independencia de Mexico” , where we’ll have the chance to celebrate once again!

http://www.inside-mexico.com/featurecinco.htm

Cinco De Mayo History

The Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates Mexico's defeat of French forces on May 5, 1862. In the legendary Battle of Puebla, a Mexican army of 4,500 men faced off against 6,000 well-trained French soldiers. The four-hour battle ended in victory for the Mexican army. This holiday and Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16 have traditionally been times to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/entertainment/2009/4/29/cinco_de_mayo_nationwide_parties_honor.htm