Mexico's response to the outbreak of Influenza A H1N1
In April, Mexico notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an unusual lengthening of the Influenza season in the country and of a possible case of mutation of the Influenza virus.
Before having evidence that in fact it was a new strain of the Influenza virus, at that time unknown by scientist around the world, and having to decide between minimizing the situation or starting a world alarm so every country would take precaution, the Mexican government opted for the later, and decided to request the assistance of experts from the WHO, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the National Laboratory of Canada to minimize the risk of this disease.
The main goal was to protect the lives and health of Mexicans and everybody around the world. As a result of this on April 25 the government issued a public health alert and the closings of schools at all levels throughout the country.
On April 26 the WHO with the evidence that this was a new strain of the flu virus issued a level 4 health alert not only for Mexico but for the whole world, because the number of countries with cases being reported was growing, which eventually made the WHO increases the alert to level 5.
Acting very responsibly Mexico took all the necessary precautions and putting ahead of any other interest the lives and health of the people, decided to shut down all activities in the country with exception of essential services. Without a doubt, the economy cost was extremely high but the public health safety was more important.
Today, Mexico is working on restarting the economy and continues to work to avoid this epidemic. The treat level has been lower from red to yellow and all activities are being restored. Mexico's borders are completely open to people and goods as they have always being, in compliance with guidelines from the WHO and the CDC.
Mexico acted with absolute transparency, promptly and to the best of its capacity, contributing not only to preserve the health of its people but that of the whole world, as has been recognized by the WHO and the CDC.
Mexico kept the world informed with honesty, which gave the impression that the situation was far worse that in other countries.
Mexico believes that in this global emergency, each government has a responsibility. Mexico has fulfilled its responsibility with opportunity and determination, and there is not justification for measures that violate the rights of Mexicans traveling abroad or to take commercial measures that have no scientific or public health base.
For more information, please contact the Consulate of Mexico in Atlanta at 404-266-2233.
