H1N1 Swine Flu Updates

May 26, 2009, 11:50am CDT

Travel Warning reduced to Travel Precaution. Normal life in Mexico City is returning. Stores, restaurants, bars, and museums are opening and people are back on the streets trying to make up for lost time due to the recent swine flu scare. As for those of us in the United States, once affected schools are reopening and people in most cities are trying to leave the swine flu saga behind. Even travel restrictions are lightening up. As of May 20, the CDC’s Travel Health Warning advising against travel to Mexico has been lowered to a Travel Health Precaution. (May 26, 2009, http://www.examiner.com/x-1520-Dallas-Travel-Examiner~y2009m5d26-Travel-Warning-reduced-to-Travel-Precaution)

May 19, 2009, 2:50pm CDT

CDC lifts Mexico travel warning. The Mexico tourism industry could breathe a big sigh of relief late Friday, when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) downgraded its warning against nonessential travel to Mexico to a travel health precaution. "CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the outbreak," the CDC wrote on its website. The CDC has lifted its recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico, but it still advises Mexico travelers to take steps to protect themselves from the H1N1 flu. (Travel Weekly, May 15, 2009)

Focus turns to lessons learned from H1N1 scare. Physicians say their experience with the flu strain helped prepare them for the next outbreak. The outbreak has caused commotion and concerns, but it also has provided lessons that Dr. Nelson and other physicians said would help them when the next flu strain strikes. That means preparations such as dusting off pandemic plans, educating office staff and patients, and ensuring surge capacity in hospitals. Physicians say their experience with the flu strain helped prepare them for the next outbreak. (American Medical News, May 18, 2009) http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/05/18/prl20518.htm

May 15, 2009, 11:25am CDT

Swine Flu Not an Accident From a Lab, W.H.O. Says. The swine flu virus did not result from a laboratory accident, the World Health Organization said Thursday, working to debunk rumors started by an Australian virologist and circulated by news outlets all over the world. “We took this very seriously,” Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the agency’s deputy director general, said of the virologist’s assertion. “But the evidence suggests that this is a naturally occurring virus, not a laboratory-derived virus.”  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/health/policy/15flu.html?_r=1

H1N1 Flu Cases Continue to Rise But Has Not Reached Pandemic Level. The World Health Organization reports it has received nearly 6,500 officially confirmed cases of swine influenza A-H1N1 - including 65 deaths - from 33 countries. While this is serious, WHO says the disease has not yet become a pandemic. http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-05-14-voa57.cfm

May 14, 2009, 2:05pm CDT

Tourists who catch swine flu offered free Mexico holidays. Hotels in Mexico are offering free holidays to tourists who catch swine flu in their resorts in a bid to restore confidence in the destination. The initiative, which involves three hotel chains, is being led byReal Resorts, which owns three hotels in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The company's guarantee offers three years of free holidays to any guest who contracts the (H1N1) flu virus within 14 days of visiting its resorts in Cancun or Playa del Carmen -- May 14, 2009. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article6285968.ece

State soon to track H1N1 virus as "normal" strain of flu. There are now 60 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Iowa. However, no one in Iowa has died from this new virus and public health agencies soon will start tracking this new virus as a normal strain of the flu… "People need to understand that when this virus started, we were looking at what was happening in places like Mexico. We were seeing a relatively serious disease. We were seeing hospitalizations," Quinlisk says. "This was a brand new virus. We'd never seen it before. We did not know how it was going to act in Iowa, therefore we wanted to make sure we did everything we could to prepare for basically having a bad strain of flu come to Iowa." State health officials soon will stop regularly announcing how many cases of H1N1 flu have been diagnosed and, instead, make public announcements if patients seem to be getting more severely sick -- and whether there appear to be clusters of cases -- Thursday, May 14, 2009. http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=3F8D5371-5056-B82A-37D59B2577D03CAB

New flu to dominate WHO assembly. H1N1 flu will dominate the World Health Organization’s annual assembly of 193 countries next week, eclipsing other issues like tuberculosis and food safety. The emergence and spread of the new virus caused WHO Director-General Margaret Chan to declare that a global pandemic is imminent, and public health officials are watching it closely in case it mutates and causes severe symptoms as it spreads. -- May 14, 2009. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE54D21520090514

May 12, 2009, 2:15pm CDT

H1N1 still in the U.S. The United States has 2,532 confirmed cases of the new H1N1 swine influenza in 44 states, and three deaths, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Sunday… Although most cases appear to be mild, just as in seasonal flu, the swine flu strain has killed, with 48 confirmed deaths in Mexico, three in the United States, one in Canada and one in Costa Rica.  WASHINGTON (Reuters) http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE54760K20090510

H1N1 Vaccine still being considered. The CDC has made no decision on asking manufacturers to produce a swine flu vaccine, says Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC. (USA Today.) http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-06-who-vaccine-swine-flu_N.htm

May 11, 2009, 3:25pm CDT

Survey Finds Less Swine Flu Fear. Americans’ concerns about catching the H1N1 swine flu have decreased substantially over the past week, though more people have been taking action to protect themselves, according to a Harvard School of Public Health survey released Friday. The survey, conducted by the Harvard Opinion Research Program at HSPH, is the first comprehensive nation-wide survey that polls the reactions, beliefs, level of alarm about the outbreak. Results were announced through the Center for Disease Control, which funds the survey, as part of the CDC’s daily update on swine flu. The Harvard Crimson, Monday, May 11, 2009 2:55 PM http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=528179

Infection rate continues to climb. 30 countries have officially reported 4694 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

• Mexico has reported 1626 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 48 deaths.
• The United States has reported 2532 laboratory confirmed human cases, including three deaths.
• Canada has reported 284 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
• Costa Rica has reported eight laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

May 8, 2009, 9:40 am CDT

Laboratory Confirmed Case Numbers Rise.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of May 7, 2009 at 6:00 GMT, 23 countries have reported cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. Mexico reports 1,112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 642 laboratory cases confirmed including 2 deaths. The following countries have reported confirmed cases with no deaths— Austria (1), Canada (201), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (5), Germany (9), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (5), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (73), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (28). (Source: WHO, May 7, 2009)

No restriction recommended by WHO.
WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza. (Source: WHO, May 7, 2009)

CDC Offers New Guidance for U.S. Schools and Childcare Facilities.
As of May 7, 2009 the CDC is giving guidance to schools on preventing the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. At this time, CDC recommends the primary means to reduce spread of influenza in schools focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when sick, good cough etiquette and frequent hand washing. Decisions about school closure should be at the discretion of local authorities based on local considerations. (Source: CDC, 5/7/09)

Diagnostic Tests Distributed in U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect this novel H1N1 virus and has now distributed test kits to all states in the U.S. and PuertoRico. The test kits are being shipped internationally as well. This will allow states and other countries to test for this new virus. This increase in testing capacity is likely to result in an increase in the number of reported confirmed cases in this country, which should provide a more accurate picture of the burden of disease in the United States. (Source: CDC, 5/7/09) 

May 4, 2009, 6:40 pm CDT

No restriction recommended by WHO.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Source: WHO, 5/3.

Medicine and supplies deployed.
 On May 3, Center Disease Control (CDC) was scheduled to complete deployment of 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against the H1N1 flu virus. Source: CDC, 5/3.

Case numbers continue to mount.
As of May 3, 2009, 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 506 confirmed human cases of infection, including 19 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico in the past 48 hours reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. The United States Government has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (85), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), France (2), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (40), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15). Source: WHO, 5/3.

May 1, 2009, 3:40 pm CDT

Swine Flu gets new name.
The term “swine flu” is being phased out due to the negative impact to the meat producers. The term H1N1 has been adopted by the WHO. Source: Routers; Travax News Alert.

Case numbers mount.
28 countries have suspected cases, with 11 of these countries having confirmed cases.  Mexico has 7 confirmed deaths. United States has 1 confirmed death and 141 confirmed cases in 19 states. Canada has 19 confirmed cases in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia. Source: Routers; Travax News Alert.

H1N1 May Cause More Discomfort than Deaths.
Although it has been deadly in the disease epicenter, Mexico, and caused the death of one Mexican infant in the United States, in other countries people infected with swine flu have fared well, with diarrhea the biggest complaint. Margaret Chan, the WHO's director-general acknowledged that the disease may well cause more discomfort than death, noting that many patients infected in the United States have recovered on their own and without medicine. 30 Apr 2009 11:27:39 GMT. Full article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LU97673.htm.

Treatment policies vary.
Treatment policies in various countries will like vary; in general, as long as the drugs are available, the antivirals will be used to treat people who are symptomatic and people who have been exposed.  The following link is the CDCs current treatment recommendation for the use of antivirals.  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm

Emergency approval of antivirals.
In the US, the FDA just approved emergency rules for antivirals. This emergency ruling allows for the drug to be prescribed and distributed by a much wider range of healthcare workers and the rule eases labelling requirements, thus making it much easier for individuals to get the drug if needed. It can be anticipated that if there is widespread disease, other countries will streamline the distribution process. Travelers should monitor the local heath agency reports on where to obtain medical care and treatment. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm

Tamiflu stockpiles made ready.
Roche, the maker of Tamiflu has stated there are stockpiles for Tamiflu available to WHO for treatment of up to 5 million people. These stockpiles are in addition to millions more treatments held by 85 to 90 governments. http://www.roche.com/media/media_releases/med-cor-2009-04-29.htm   

Alert Level Phase 5.
In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. A Phase 5 alert is a "strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short." (CDC Swine Flu website last updated April 30, 2009, 10:30 AM ET)

Numbers Changing Constantly.
The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) only report lab-confirmed cases -- not probable or suspected cases -- and they only do it once a day. So there may be a lag time before cases confirmed at the state or local level making it into the official tally. "It is clear that the virus is spreading; we don't see any evidence that it's slowing," Keiji Fukuda, MD, the WHO's assistant director-general for health security and environment, said at a news conference in Geneva yesterday...the challenge will be the early detection of human-to-human transmission in these countries among those individuals without a history of travel to countries with known human to human transmission ongoing (Canada, USA, Mexico).

CDC Emergency Response.
The United States Government has declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC's response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. CDC is issuing and updating interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. (CDC Swine Flu website last updated April 30, 2009, 10:30 AM ET)

Prudence advised.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness. Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_29/en/index.html

Vaccine Under Way. Scientists are already working on creating a vaccine against the new swine flu virus. "We're in full gear; the process is more speedy than [it's] ever been before, " Kathleen Sebelius, the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said today at a joint news conference with the HHS, CDC, FDA, and the National Institutes of Health. A swine flu vaccine may be created by early fall, but that doesn't mean it will be ready for distribution by then, health officials noted at the news conference. (MedScape Post, Updated April 30, 2009 10:00 CST)

HELPING YOU STAY INFORMED
Seeking Medical Care in Mexico

• Travelers have reported private facilities in Mexico are treating patients with flu symptoms. The Mexican consulate's office has confirmed that patients are being directed away from private facilities and directed to public facilities within the Instituto Mexicano De Seguro Social system.
• The following site gives the names of the Mexican states where the IMSS facilities are found. These are governmental facilities. The facilities are listed by state, and facility type (choose hospital). http://www.imss.gob.mx/prestacionesimss
• Travelers already in Mexico should monitor local news bulletins and follow the advice of local authorities. Mexican Ministry of Health: http://portal.salud.gob.mx/index_eng.html
• Travelers should also contact their airline, tour operator or travel agent to verify travel plans.

Additional Resources:
Swine Influenza and You:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

CDC: Taking care of a sick person in your home:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_homecare.htm

CDC Swine Flu: Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_homecare.htm

Risk of Swine Flu Associated with Travel to Affected Areas:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluTravel.aspx

CDC Interim Guidance to Assist Airline Flight Deck and Cabin Crew in Identifying Passengers Who May Have Swine Flu:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/aircrew.htm

Information for airline passengers exposed to swine flu:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluPassengers.aspx

April 29, 2009, 3:20 pm CDT 
What Health Experts Are Saying:

• “Travel restrictions are unnecessary and based on political, not medical considerations.”
   Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General, World Health Organization, April 28, 2009
• “[Experts] recommend not closing borders or restricting travel… With the virus being widespread... closing borders or restricting travel really has very little effect in stopping the movement of this virus.” 
  Dr. Keiji Fukuda, Deputy Director-General, World Health Organization, April 28, 2009
• "The name of the game is to slow transmission until a well-matched vaccine can be made and distributed. I am fairly optimistic we can do that."
  Dr. Ira Longini, Hutchison Research Center, April 28, 2009 

Travel Guard Offering Free Assistance
to Travelers Concerned with Swine Flu Outbreak’s Impact

Stevens Point, WI – April 28, 2009 – Travel Guard (http://www.travelguard.com/) (http://www.travelguard.ca/) announced today it is providing free emergency travel and medical assistance services and travel health information to U.S. and Canadian travelers affected by or concerned with the recent swine flu outbreak. These services include worldwide medical referrals; up-to-the-minute updates on outbreak status and travel areas affected; information on symptoms, prevention and treatment; and coordination of travel arrangements for those in transit.

Travel Guard will also provide information and medical referrals for travelers in transit who believe they may be experiencing swine flu symptoms. Travelers seeking these services can call Travel Guard at 1-866-644-6811 (US and Canada toll-free) or collect at 1-715-295-1209 (for international callers).

April 28, 2009, 3:05 pm CDT 
Travel Recommendations
Foreign & Commonwealth Office:
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/mexico 

Travel Summary

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 4 (evidence of increased human to human transmission).  See the WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html for further details.   
• Routine Consular and all Visa Services at the Embassy in Mexico City have been suspended until further notice.  British Nationals in Mexico, who have an urgent consular issue should call the Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for assistance. 
• British nationals resident in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time. 
• British Nationals should continue to follow local advice on precautions to take to avoid exposure to the influenza. 
• Cases of swine influenza have been reported in Mexico City and a number of other locations across the country. Travelers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.
• The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands and kissing people as a greeting. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure. The Mexicans have closed educational establishments across the country. Museums and other public venues and events have been closed or postponed.  

CDC:  wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/
Please check this site frequently for updates and complete CDC recommendations. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx

• Monitor announcements from Mexico’s Ministry of Health and local government including information about affected areas, as not all areas are equally affected.
• Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
• Be aware that Mexico is checking all exiting airline passengers for signs of swine flu.  Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports.

Recent Status of the Disease
Various media outlets report confirmed and/or suspect cases of swine flu in the following countries: Spain, New Zealand, Scotland, Canada, and France, there are unsubstantiated reports in the Middle East and Asia.  These reports involve small numbers of individuals and mild disease.  No deaths outside of Mexico have been reported

Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009
Source: WHO [edited]: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_27/en/index.html

The current situation regarding the outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1) is evolving rapidly. As of 27 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection with the same virus, including 7 deaths [but see report below], Canada has reported 6 cases, with no deaths, while Spain has reported one case, with no deaths. WHO advises NO restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

USA (5 states): 40 cases confirmed
Source: CDC [edited]: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
California 7 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 28 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 40 cases

Swine flu
Swine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease which, as the name suggests, usually affects pigs. The most common subtype is the H1N1 strain. Humans are not usually infected by the disease.  There have, however, been an increasing number of reported cases in recent years. The virus is usually contracted through contact with infected pigs, but human-to-human transmission has been reported. The disease has proven fatal to between one and four percent of people who have contracted it.

Who does it endanger?
Flu can infect everyone.  However, in normal flu outbreaks, the most severe impact is generally seen in the young, elderly or those with compromised immune systems.  This flu is different because a larger percentage of people who fell ill do not fall within the expected range.  According to the WHO, there is no current vaccine to contain this particular illness.

How is it transmitted?
Swine flu is transmitted through the air when infected people or pigs cough or sneeze.  It can also be ingested after a person touches an infected surface. The disease can be transferred from pigs to humans or through human-to-human contact. There is also a risk of contracting the disease through eating undercooked pork.

Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In children, rapid or troubled breathing, bluish skin colour, unconsciousness or diminished consciousness, irritability, fever, coughing and a rash are indications urgent medical attention may be required. Serious warning signs for adults include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting.

Diagnosis
The CDC recommends clinicians consider the possibility of swine influenza virus infections in patients presenting with febrile respiratory illness who:

1. Live in an area where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified or
2. Have travelled to an area where human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1) have been identified or
3. Have been in contact with ill persons from these areas in the 7 days prior to their illness onset.

Routine testing is available for Influenza A. Routine testing cannot distinguish between varies types of Influenza A. The CDC is the organization testing for the Swine virus. The CDC is reported to be sending test kits to some state labs for localized testing.

Treatment
There is no vaccine for swine flu. Antiviral treatment works best if taken within 48 hours of symptoms first presenting. In addition, persons who have contracted the disease should rest, drink plenty of liquids, wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, dispose of used tissues properly and limit physical activity as much as possible.

Prevention
In areas experiencing swine flu outbreaks:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid contact with people who are unwell 
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze
• Eat nutritious foods, keep physically active and get sufficient sleep 
• If caring for a sick person at home, keep your mouth and nose covered, ensure that rooms are well ventilated, clean all surfaces regularly with normal household cleaning agents and keep the sick person at least one metre away from others 
• Follow the directives of the local authorities 
• Limit contact with pigs and pig farms

What should you or a family member do if you feel ill?
Stay at home from work and keep away from crowds. Rest and take plenty of fluids. See your doctor immediately and let them know about your condition. Cover your mouth and nose when you are travelling to and from the doctor’s office. Get tested.

April 27, 2009
No matter where you are traveling, it is important to prepare for the unexpected. As a leader in travel safety, security and relevant travel information, Travel Guard is advising its customers to take precautions when traveling to areas recently affected by the swine flu outbreak. While in no way do we want to minimize the seriousness of this outbreak, our first concern is for our customers to remember to take precautions, and as with any health advisory, be prepared, but not panicked.

For customers planning future travel, we advise you to call Travel Guard for periodic updates with respect to the destination to which you are traveling. For clients who are currently on a trip, we advise you to practice good heath habits in order to help prevent the spread of germs. Contact Travel Guard immediately at 1-800-826-1300 to coordinate medical care if you start feeling sick.

If you purchased a Travel Guard plan with the optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage, you could cancel your trip and receive the benefits outlined in the policy. With a typical travel insurance plan that does not include Cancel for Any Reason coverage, cancellation due to fear of contracting the virus while traveling would not be a covered reason for cancellation. Additionally, a number of travel insurance plans through Travel Guard do include coverage for trip interruption and travel delay if a traveler is quarantined to an area because of possible contact with the swine flu. Regardless of where you are traveling, it is important to make certain that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes travel delay, trip interruption, medical expense and emergency medical evacuation coverages as well as 24/7 emergency medical and travel assistance so that if you need to seek medical attention, Travel Guard can assist in getting you the most adequate medical care in the area you are traveling.

If you have purchased a plan or are considering purchasing a Travel Guard plan, we encourage you to call our 24/7 call center with questions.

For more information on traveling to affected areas, visit the following pages:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluTravel.aspx
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/swine-flu-7-things-t-4427/