| | |  Travel Writers' Resources | May 2009 
Reporting on Swine Flu Direct from Mexico - Part 2
 Margo Jodyne Dills - PVNN
| | (Reuters/Jorge Dan) | |
Is the World Health Organization using Homeland Security’s Operation Manual?
April 30, 2009: As the day dawned in Australia the news unfolded as follows: "A member of the World Health Organization has dismissed claims that more than 150 people have died from swine flu, saying it has officially recorded only seven deaths around the world." - AAP
How many people have been busy looking up the meaning of pandemic these days? A correct definition is "occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population." - Webster Dictionary
"Pandemic is very scary word," said Dr. Andrew Garrett, director for planning and response at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The message is mainly meant for other countries, where the virus has yet to make an appearance, Garrett said. "We are dealing with this as a country that was involved from the start," he added." - MSNBC
I have spent the better part of the afternoon trying to comprehend what Dr. Garrett is trying to convey.
Yesterday the governor of Texas declared the state a disaster after one reported death, while at the same time "WHO had confirmed 40 cases of swine flu in the Americas, 26 in Mexico, six in Canada, two in Spain, two in Britain and three in New Zealand. The WHO was not recommending against overseas travel, but urged those who felt sick to stay home and others to ensure they kept their hands clean." - AAP
There seems to be little stability in the news, with each day another shocking item regarding the health of the country and the world at large.
From the point of view in Puerto Vallarta, where living normally ground to a halt sometime this week, it appeared as if the entire world has gone mad.
At the airport, travelers have been leaving in droves on planes that have been arriving practically empty. Vacations, weddings and Children’s Day celebrations and Labor Day parades have been cancelled.
Weary parents have entertained their kids for the third week in a row following spring break. Stores have sold out of items such as meat and fresh milk to residents who have shopped the shelves clean in an effort to stay home and not risk exposure.
Flights to Mexico from Cuba, Europe and some places in the United States have been cancelled. Cruise ships have passed all Mexican ports and hosted their frightened guests on the high seas. Travel advisories have warned against traveling to all parts of Mexico. People are driving in their own cars wearing surgical masks with the windows rolled up.
And now we are being told that worldwide there have been just seven deaths and 79 confirmed cases of the disease. - Vivienne Allan, WHO's Patient Safety Program
Is anyone protecting the pigs?
1 | 2 | 
 Margo Jodyne "Jodi" Dills, originally from Seattle, has lived in Mexico since 1999. She is a published writer and finalist in the 77th Writer's Digest Competition, an avid poet and an authorized contributor to Viva Travel Guides. For a complete list of editing and writing services, visit her website at MargoJodyneDills.com.
Should you be afraid to travel to Puerto Vallarta? Health Care Resources Puerto Vallarta's Pamela Thompson has the latest news and health reports from around Banderas Bay. (Click HERE for local swine flu updates) |
|
| |
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us