As you probably have heard in the news, a new virus (influenza A/H1N1) has developed in several parts of the world. At a meeting in Geneva on April 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 4.  The designation means that the virus is capable of human-to-human transmission and of causing “community-level outbreaks.” By the end of April, there have been more than 1,600 reported cases of swine flu in Mexico and nearly 150 deaths. The government has banned large public events nationwide and has closed all schools and universities. More than 40 cases of swine flu have been reported in the United States in at least five states and other confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in Israel, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada and New Zealand. The European Union has issued a travel alert advising EU citizens to avoid nonessential travel to the United States and Mexico. Countries worldwide have implemented screenings of travellers arriving from the United States and Mexico at international airports. There have been no reports of any closures of international borders as a result of the situation.

Travellers can “import” the virus unintentionally and without being aware of it and should therefore we recommend that we adhere to the following measures.

- Unnecessary trips to countries with a high infection risk should be avoided. Keep yourself updated which countries these are.

- When travelling to a region already affected, it is recommended to discuss a prescription with a physician and to take an antiviral medication (neuraminidase inhibitor) in case of infection.

- Wash regularly your hands and avoid contact with obviously ill people, as they are already weak.

- Take precaution against infection by avoiding large crowds, limitting physical contact with others and avoiding public transportation.

- If you or members of your group experience flu symptoms (sudden high fever, coughing, shortage of breath) during your stay, seek immediate attention from a doctor

- If you or members of your group experience flu symptoms shortly after a stay in a country affected by swine flu, seek immediate attention from your doctor and inform him or her about your recent journey.

For the latest updated information, please visit this website of the World Health Organisation.