Human cases of the novel influenza virus A(H1N1) – Mexico
IInfluenza spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or by direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions from infectious persons. Therefore, the risk of transmission of influenza can be significantly reduced by some simple methods that have already been documented by ECDC and are available from: http://ecdc.europa.eu/documents/pdf/PPHM_Recommendations.pdf
In response to the recent cases of the novel influenza virus (human swine influenza A/H1N1) in Mexico and other countries, ECDC recommends the following:
Persons who plan travelling to an area where there is sustained transmission of novel flu virus*
Since sustained transmission of novel flu virus has so far only been described in Mexico, and beacause of the uncertainty of the situation there, persons who plan to travel to Mexico are recommended to defer any unnecessary travel to these areas, until further notice.
Persons travelling to an area where there is sustained transmission of novel flu virus*
Non-pharmaceutical measures
Persons travelling to an area where there is sustained transmission of novel flu virus are advised to take personal precautionary measures to prevent transmission of respiratory infections. These include:
- Avoid close contact with sick people. People with one or more of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, may be infected with influenza or another virus. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with infection by the novel influenza virus.
- Wash or clean your hands frequently. Washing or disinfecting your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners reduce the amount of influenza virus on contaminated hands, although washing with soap and water is more effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and subsequently touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
With regards to protective masks, there is currently no conclusive evidence that wearing one is an effective measure at a mass level. Therefore, ECDC cannot recommend the general use of masks.
See http://ecdc.europa.eu/documents/pdf/PPHM_Recommendations.pdf.
Prophylaxis and vaccination
Currently, a general use of prophylaxis with neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g. Tamiflu®) is not advised. However, persons with underlying health conditions putting them at a higher risk for infection are recommended to take prophylaxis.
While there is no evidence that the current seasonal influenza vaccine is effective against the novel influenza virus (and this is considered unlikely), it is still recommended for travellers to Mexico to be vaccinated for seasonal influenza. This is because the seasonal influenza transmission season is still ongoing. Such vaccination will only reduce the risk of catching ordinary influenza, and not the novel influenza virus.
Persons who return from an area where there is sustained transmission of novel flu virus*
Travellers from an area where there is sustained transmission of novel flu virus who develop fever (38ºC) and influenza-like symptoms within seven days of their return should rapidly seek medical attention, informing the persons they consult about their recent travel, in accordance to the national health authorities’ recommendations.
* So far, sustained human-to-human transmission of the novel influenza virus is only documented in Mexico.
