Swine Flu Latest News Worldwide

Cases of swine flu have been reported in several U.S. states, Mexico, and a growing number of other countries. While the U.S. government has declared this a “public health emergency,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano emphasized that this signifies a “declaration of emergency preparedness,” meaning that national, state, and local health organizations are closely monitoring new cases and taking steps to contain the spread of the virus.

On April 27, 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel advisory recommending that people avoid “non-essential travel to Mexico” (e.g., that they postpone Mexican vacations or other non-necessary trips to the country). For up-to-date CDC travel warnings, advisories, and other notices for Mexico and other destinations, visit the CDC’s travelers’ health page.

Members of the MIT community are urged to follow the same strategies they would ordinarily use to protect themselves and others during a normal cold and flu season:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Cover coughs and sneezes

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Stay home if you are feeling sick

MIT Medical and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health continue to monitor the situation closely. The most up-to-date national and local information is available from the CDC and the state's public health blog.