Swine flu updates from Cruise Critic

[melissa@cruisecritic]

Hi everyone,

We're keeping a close eye on the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, which is not yet impacting cruise travel. You can read our coverage in Cruise Critic News, here http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3190

Just a note that our community manager, LauraS, and about 200 members and hosts are boarding Carnival Splendor today for a cruise to the Mexican Riviera -- and we anticipate that swine flu will be a hot topic onboard. LauraS tells us that they will keep us posted on what's going on in terms of announcements and cruise travelers' concerns about swine flu, so check back with us for the latest.

Melissa

[yedeje]

Thank you for keeping us posted!

[DGP1111]

The information will be appreciated.

[Lilmatcat]

Nice job, CC! It's great to stay informed on issues such as these. Staying educated is much more helpful than those who attempt to incite panic without having all the FACTS.

[firefly333]

Good that there is a thread where real information on how this is impacting current cruisers is up, thanks CC.

[jaja]

Originally Posted by firefly333

Good that there is a thread where real information on how this is impacting current cruisers is up, thanks CC.

totally agree....

[*Mach*]

Originally Posted by Melissa@cruisecritic

Hi everyone,

We're keeping a close eye on the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, which is not yet impacting cruise travel. You can read our coverage in Cruise Critic News, here http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3190

Just a note that our community manager, LauraS, and about 200 members and hosts are boarding Carnival Splendor today for a cruise to the Mexican Riviera -- and we anticipate that swine flu will be a hot topic onboard. LauraS tells us that they will keep us posted on what's going on in terms of announcements and cruise travelers' concerns about swine flu, so check back with us for the latest.

Melissa

Thanks, Melissa!!!

[Frank12]

Originally Posted by firefly333

Good that there is a thread where real information on how this is impacting current cruisers is up, thanks CC.

I agree. I've already seen several threads calling this a pandemic!
Some should look up a big word like that before using it!

[kjunea]

Thanks Melissa!

[FlaKrznNubie]

Originally Posted by Frank12

I agree. I've already seen several threads calling this a pandemic!
Some should look up a big word like that before using it!

The CDC & Homeland Security heads have both already called it a "pandemic" outbreak.

We will see if they are correct...

[raytownlady]

Like the other posters, I will be anxiously waiting for more information on this topic. Thanks Cruise Critic

[melissa@cruisecritic]

The most important thing to keep in mind at this point is that the outbreaks in Mexico are concentrated near Mexico City -- there have been no instances of the illness along the coastline, i.e. in cruise ports. Again, there's been no change thus far from the cruise lines regarding plans to call on Mexico (although, interestingly, at least one airline -- US Airways -- has relaxed ticketing policies for travel to Mexico City).

Laura and the gang: we appreciate any information you are willing to share from your trip!

[shabri]

If the swine flu does impact ports of call, would Carnival change routes?

[firefly333]

Thanks CC for any posts of what you hear on the ships. Im sure everyone is interested.

[betonic]

We live in Cancun ans so far we have heard that all of the cases are in the Mexico City area. We've also been told that they know what medicines work to treat this.

[MrPete]

This certainly is the number one story on the newschannels this afternoon.

I guess they ran out of "New Dog in the White House" updates.

[winddawn]

Originally Posted by Melissa@cruisecritic

Hi everyone,

We're keeping a close eye on the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, which is not yet impacting cruise travel. You can read our coverage in Cruise Critic News, here http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3190

Just a note that our community manager, LauraS, and about 200 members and hosts are boarding Carnival Splendor today for a cruise to the Mexican Riviera -- and we anticipate that swine flu will be a hot topic onboard. LauraS tells us that they will keep us posted on what's going on in terms of announcements and cruise travelers' concerns about swine flu, so check back with us for the latest.

Melissa

CNN is reporting that the United States government declared a public health emergency today related to swine flu.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/26...flu/index.html

[firefly333]

Originally Posted by MrPete

This certainly is the number one story on the newschannels this afternoon.

I guess they ran out of "New Dog in the White House" updates.

Yes, reports on FOX say folks are "freaking out" on twitter over this. They said they are tracking it on airlines and if someone is sick they are making them wear a mask. I can picture it now on cruise ships, with folks wearing masks.

(not to folks wondering about closing ports.... airlines are NOT cancelling the flights, just making folks wear masks).

Originally Posted by betonic

We live in Cancun ans so far we have heard that all of the cases are in the Mexico City area. We've also been told that they know what medicines work to treat this.

I think this is important to emphasis this... Mexico City, not the ports. (at least yet).

[WinnipegCruiser]

Basically if you can avoid Norwalk (Norovirus) Virus, you can avoid this. Sure the symptoms are very different, but the same "wash your hands often" advice applies.

Actually... someone with Norovirus can seem undetectable for days... however with Swine Flu the person has flu like symptoms when they are contagious..

In My Opinion it will not be long before Infrared cameras are set up to detect people with fevers, much like metal detectors...

[halos]

Updates come in pretty frequently on Web MD http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ne...wnl_nal_042609