Dear participant,
We would like to give you some information regarding the swine flu in Argentina.

As you might probably know, some Argentine provinces have announced a health emergency to fight a swine flu outbreak.
Similar clauses have been taken at other countries, like U.S., Canada and México.
In this way, officials are being given more power and resources to tackle the epidemic.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the normal flu season typically occurs sometime during April-September.
The reported numbers of cases of H1N1 flu in Argentina does not exceed the normal flu season cases reported in previous years. Moreover, the number of new cases of novel H1N1 flu in Argentina appears to be declining.

Even though some severe illnesses and deaths from novel H1N1 flu have been reported, most cases have been similar to seasonal flu and have not resulted in severe illness.
The vast majority of people that have died from the effects of the virus had serious underlying health problems.

It is understandable that the general public may be concerned.

Nevertheless, Healthy people may make travel plans as they normally would and take common sense precautions to protect their health during travel.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), traveling is yet safe.

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Travelers can protect themselves and others by following simple prevention practices that apply while traveling and in daily life.

Inquiries at hospitals and private health centers decreased in more than 50% during last week.
The demand for antiviral decreased in the same proportion, and the general health conditions are expected to significantly improve by the time of IAG2009.

See you in Buenos Aires!

THE LOC.