VZCZCXRO1530
RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM
DE RUEHME #1194/01 1190530
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 290530Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHINGTON DC
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6281
RHMFIUU/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC
RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
INFO RUEHXQ/ALL EUROPEAN UNION POST COLLECTIVE
RUEHXC/ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE
RUEHGT/AMEMBASSY GUATEMALA 3809
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0477
RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 2517
RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 0174
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 1098

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 MEXICO 001194 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA/MEX, WHA/PDA, STATE FOR OES/IHB, PA, CAPRESS; 
STATE FOR MED/DASHO (MCFADDEN, RINALDO, KEYES); STATE FOR 
MED/DIR (PENNER); STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA; CDC FOR 
CCID/NCPDCID, CCID/NCIRD AND COGH/DGPPC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC CVIS CASC KSCA TBIO MX
SUBJECT: SITREP 5 - H1N1 FLU OUTBREAK IN MEXICO CITY 
 
¶1. (U) SUMMARY: 
------------------- 
 
April 28 estimates of confirmed H1N1 cases and deaths remain 
unchanged from April 27.  On April 28, 2009, the Mayor of 
Mexico City ordered the closure of all establishments where 
large numbers of the public gather until May 6, including 
restaurants, bars, discos, night clubs, cinemas, movie 
theaters, theaters, gyms, and convention centers. 
 
¶2.  (U) FEDERAL AND CITY GOVERNMENT ACTIONS: 
------------------------------------------- 
 
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: 
--Navy Secretary Mariano Saynez offered the Navy's Hospital 
of high specialty located in Mexico City.  Saynez noted that 
the Navy has trained physicians and nurses to face 
emergencies such as the H1N1 flu.  The hospital has a 
capacity for 600 emergency cases.  (Note:  Anecdotal evidence 
suggests that public and private hospitals in Mexico are 
experiencing shortages of space as well as mechanical 
ventilators.  We are currently seeking firm statistics on 
this. End Note.) 
--The Health Secretariat announced they would dispatch rescue 
teams of doctors nationwide in coordination with IMSS (the 
National Social Security Institute), ISSTE (The State Social 
Security Institute), and the Red Cross to reinforce measures 
to prevent the spread of the virus. 
--The Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) announced a 
hotline to keep citizens informed on government actions and 
decisions related to the H1N1 flu.  Within Mexico City the 
number is 3601-7599; if calling outside Mexico City, the 
number is 01-800-288-6688. 
--The Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit announced an 
urgent fund to investigate the H1N1 virus.  The amount of 
this fund was not disclosed. 
 
MEXICO CITY GOVERNMENT: 
-- On April 28, 2009, the Mayor of Mexico City ordered the 
closure of all establishments where large numbers of the 
public gather until May 6, including restaurants, bars, 
discos, night clubs, cinemas, movie theaters, theaters, gyms, 
and convention centers. 
--Announced a fund of 150 million pesos in support for 
families, workers, and business affected by the H1N1 flu. 
--The city government distributed 5 million flyers and 850 
thousand information announcements on the H1N1 flu, as well 
as one million masks throughout the city. 
 
¶3.  (U) ACTIONS BY NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
-- Many private organizations continue to cancel events in 
support of the GOM's recommendations against large public 
gatherings. 
 
-- The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) 
established an emergency committee on the H1N1 flu headed by 
Rector Jose Narro, former Undersecretary of Health and 
Director of the Medical School at UNAM. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) STATISTICS: 
--------------------- 
 
Emboffs accompanying the CDC team in Mexico City report 
updated H1N1 flu case estimates of: 
 
--1324 suspected cases 
--84 suspected death cases 
--26 confirmed cases 
--7 confirmed deaths 
 
 
At a press conference on the evening of April 28, the 
 
MEXICO 00001194  002 OF 005 
 
 
Secretariat of Health reported: 
 
-- There were 2498 potential influenza cases reported in 
April.  Of these, there were 159 deaths, but only 7 confirmed 
as H1N1 flu ) all of which were in Mexico City.  The GOM 
will have the final test results for the other 152 death 
cases within the next 24 hours. 
 
--There are currently 1311 people hospitalized with severe 
influenza.  Out of these, 26 are confirmed H1N1 flu cases. 
 
--The number of reported cases have decreased in the past 
four days. 
 
We continue to have problems obtaining consistent government 
statistical data. 
 
 
¶5.  (U) MANAGEMENT ISSUES: 
-------------------------- 
 
The Embassy issued approximately 552 masks to U.S. direct 
hire employees, their families, and locally employed staff. 
The Heath Unit has sent specimens for 8 patients with 
flu-like symptoms to the U.S. for testing.  One specimen 
result has returned probable for the H1N1 virus; results of 
the others are still pending. 
 
PCS travel to post continues as normal. 
 
 
¶6.  (U) SECURITY ISSUES: 
------------------------ 
 
Although Embassy security was adequate, RSO noted a 
significant uptick in absenteeism of local guards and police 
on April 28.  RSO will continue to monitor the activity of 
Embassy guards and police closely. 
 
 
¶7.  (U) CONSULAR ISSUES: 
------------------------ 
 
-- U.S. EMBASSY:  The Embassy issued an updated warden 
message April 28, the fifth in five days, and the U.S. 
Department of State revised the travel alert for Mexico.  The 
message refers to the government of Mexico City's ordered 
closure of all establishments where large numbers of the 
public gather until May 6. 
 
Embassy Mexico received approximately 550 H1N1-flu related 
calls on April 28, a dramatic increase compared to 120 on 
April 27.  Most of the callers were inquiring about the 
schedule for Consular Services (non-essential public services 
were suspended on April 27) and travel restrictions to the 
U.S. 
 
-- CONSULATE, CIUDAD JUAREZ:  Non-immigrant visa operations 
at the Consulate General will be suspended until May 6th. 
Immigrant visa operations are suspended from April 30 through 
May 8th. Applicants that are impacted by these suspensions 
will be notified through the Consulate's website and the call 
center. Consular services for U.S. citizens will be limited 
to emergency assistance and to citizenship applications 
(passports and consular reports of birth abroad, or CRBA). 
Notarial and other routine services will not be available; 
anyone with passport or CRBA appointments is encouraged, but 
not required, to reschedule to a later date.  Additionally, 
Federal Benefits Units are requesting all persons to postpone 
interviews on Social Security claims. 
 
-- U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL, GUADALAJARA.  Despite posting a 
notice on the consulate website and issuing a press release 
that received ample local coverage, approximately 200 NIV 
 
MEXICO 00001194  003 OF 005 
 
 
applicants arrived for their previously scheduled 
appointments. They claimed to have not known about the 
closure. Those who arrived were processed. There were no 
reports of emergency travel, and there was no spike in 
emergency appointment requests. Nevertheless, the section 
answered approximately 80 calls from applicants concerned 
about rescheduling their appointments. ACS fielded 
approximately 60 travel inquiries April 27, and April 28 they 
responded to approximately 100. The majority of calls today 
were Amcits asking if they should return to the US. ACS has 
maintained their normal appointment system, managing 
approximately 60-70 cases per day. Today, 90 percent of those 
cases requested emergency passports or CRBAs for immediate 
travel. Normally, they process 5-10 emergency requests per 
day. GDL's consular district has no reports of confirmed 
swine flu cases. 
 
-- U.S. CONSULATE, NOGALES:  Visa services have been 
suspended until May 6th and ACS services are limited to 
emergencies.  Employee absenteeism is within normal limits. 
On April 27, the ACS chief addressed a group of 125 
Maquiladora Association managers to discuss travel conditions 
and consular operations during the health alert.  On April 
28, post hosted a meeting of the local Integrated Emergency 
Management Group to facilitate communications between local 
Mexican health authorities and Municipal and County first 
responders from the Nogales area. 
 
-- U.S. CONSULATE, TIJUANA:  Visa operations are suspended 
until May 6th. 
 
-- U.S. CONSULATE, HERMOSILLO: NIV Chief confirmed that visa 
services have been canceled until May 6th, and will not 
reopen until Post receives further guidance. 
 
-- U.S. CONSULATE, MERIDA:  A small number of visa applicants 
arrived this morning and were upset when turned away.   Post 
has received an elevated number of calls and e-mails 
concerning travel to resort destinations. The Consular 
section prepared language for a recorded phone and e-mail 
message directing travelers to CDC's and State's Travel 
Alerts. There is no notable increase in the number of Amcits 
requesting services.  Post has sent out protective masks and 
gloves to their Consular Agent offices. Operations remain 
open, however, post will continue to monitor the situation 
and adjust accordingly. 
 
-- U.S. CONSULATE, MONTERREY:  The Consular Section suspended 
all NIV services effective April 28, though 
exceptions were made for some applicants who had already been 
enrolled at the ASC (offsite Applicant Services Center) April 
27 or earlier.   All interview windows have hand sanitizers 
and face masks are available for all consular staff, guards 
and greeters.  ACS received only 15-20 phone calls from 
Americans in the consular district; all had questions 
regarding either a rumored possible border closure or how to 
reschedule NIV interviews for family members or friends. 
 
 
¶8.  (U) BORDER AND CONSULATE ISSUES: 
----------------------------------- 
 
-- CIUDAD JUAREZ: The Governor of Chihuahua announced on 
April 27 the cancellation of all public events and schools at 
least until May 6.  Select business establishments, such as 
discotheques and movie theaters, are also closed state-wide 
during this same period.  Restaurants will remain open.  In 
Ciudad Juarez, Mayor Ferriz announced that municipal 
authorities set up Mobile Medical Units to treat individuals 
presenting possible symptoms of swine flu and to distribute 
medical information at the Ciudad Juarez airport, bus 
stations, toll booth checkpoints and community centers. 
There is currently no plan to shut down public transportation 
or other businesses.  On April 28, the Consul General held a 
 
MEXICO 00001194  004 OF 005 
 
 
town hall meeting with Consulate staff and family members to 
provide information about the H1N1 outbreak and answer 
questions. 
- 
-- GUADALAJARA:  On April 27, the Governor of Jalisco 
announced that, in addition to nationally mandated school 
closings, bars, nightclubs, theaters and restaurants would 
also be closed. Most businesses are complying. Transportation 
and tourism contacts do not have specific numbers to reflect 
the impact of the outbreak, but they expect services to 
diminish and tourism revenues to reduce as a result. The 
state government suspended all public cultural activities. 
 
-- NOGALES:  Public reaction has been calm.  There has been a 
limited use of face masks in public.  Border traffic volume 
(north bound) at both Nogalas ports of entry is lighter-than 
normal. 
 
-- MERIDA:  Supplies of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers 
are non-existent in Merida and post is hearing reports of 
panic buying in Cancun.  The governors of Campeche, Yucatan, 
and Quintana Roo have canceled public meetings and events. 
The governor of Yucatan will make a public statement on April 
28 or 29 to pass information to consulates and businesses. 
Consulate staff is not alarmed, but they are visibly 
concerned. The CLO and MO have been sending information and 
updates to keep EMFs informed of the latest developments. At 
least two EMF's have opted to return to the states. The 
consulate will be holding a town hall meeting today with EFMs 
and staff to pass information and hear concerns. Protective 
mask and gloves have been made available to staff, but no one 
has opted to use them. 
 
-- MONTERREY:  The Nuevo Leon government has been proactive, 
as Governor Gonzalez Paras closed all schools and day care 
facilities on April 26, before the GOM nationwide order. 
Pandemic preventive educational programs are being shown on 
television, including the importance of washing hands and 
using a surgical mask.  The government has asked employers to 
permit liberal leave policies, especially for mothers who 
have stayed home with school aged kids.  Airports and bus 
terminals are supplying masks and all travelers are being 
asked to fill out a questionnaire on their health.  Anyone 
presenting symptoms is asked to see a doctor or stay home. 
Many in Nuevo Leon are staying home, as restaurants and bars 
are fairly empty.   There has been a marked decline in street 
traffic and a 10% decline in air passengers.  Private 
businesses and government offices generally remain open, 
although some employees have stayed home to care for their 
children and some have canceled internal meetings. 
 
-- U.S. CONSULATE, TIJUANA:  State and local governments 
within the district have canceled all public events, 
including events related to International Children's Day and 
Mother's Day. Post has received reports that some government 
offices are reducing services, for example the Foreign 
Relations Secretariat (SRE) has closed satellite offices in 
Tijuana and Rosarito.  The main SRE office in Tijuana remains 
open for passport processing but allows only 7 people in the 
waiting room at one time.  Other large events have also been 
voluntarily canceled. No other closures, such as public 
transportation, stores or restaurants have been ordered at 
this time 
 
¶9.  (U) MEDIA REACTION/GENERAL POPULATION SENTIMENTS: 
--------------------------------------------- -------- 
 
Coverage of the swine flu outbreak on April 28 focused on the 
World Health Organization raising the alert level to 4. All 
newspapers featured the economic repercussions of the 
outbreak, which included a fall of 3.34% in the Mexican stock 
market's main indicator and the depreciation of the peso 
versus the dollar. Headlines include: &Flu affects the whole 
country8 (La Cronica); &Virus jumps to other countries8 
 
MEXICO 00001194  005 OF 005 
 
 
(El Universal); &Health Secretary: Outbreak in its most 
critical stage8 (El Sol de Mexico); &Flu stops economic 
recovery8 (El Economista); &WHO: On the threshold of 
pandemic8 (La Jornada); &WHO raises alert level8 
(Reforma). Many newspapers also feature stories of how the 
U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic missions have limited their 
services, and photos of Mexicans crowding grocery stores to 
stock up in case &the city is shut down.8 Noteworthy items 
in the electronic media are the travel alerts issued by the 
Department of State and the European Union, and the reports 
that CBP agents are strengthening inspection methods in the 
U.S./Mexico border. Although most electronic media newscasts 
have quoted Secretary Napolitano saying the border will not 
be closed, a rumor stating otherwise has circulated through 
some outlets. Media reaction continues to be mostly favorable 
for President Calderon and the government actions, despite 
some general criticism that the country is not well prepared 
for an epidemic outbreak. &Our country is not prepared for 
these things. But within all that, the reaction of the 
Calderon administration has been excellent,8 stated Eduardo 
Ruiz Healy, a well-known radio commentator. 
 
¶10.  (U) ECONOMIC IMPACT 
------------------------ 
Hotels:  Occupancy rates at Mexico City hotels have fallen 
rapidly.  At hotels used regularly by the Embassy, average 
occupancy is 20-30 percent.  Cancellations by groups have 
been especially severe and the mayor has effectively closed 
down the hotel convention business. 
 
Foreign Ministry:  The Secretariat of Foreign Relations has 
suspended protocol and diplomatic note traffic between 
foreign missions and the ministry.  A duty team does appear 
to be on station to receive urgent traffic. 
 
Transportation:  A passenger who fell ill on US Airways 804 
flight from Cancun to Philadelphia was hospitalized 27 April 
in Philadelphia but released this morning after the hospital 
determined she did not have H1N1.  Some U.S. airlines that 
fly to Mexico are beginning to report decreased load factors 
on southbound flights, but note that U.S.-bound flights 
remain full.  Lufthansa is experiencing a larger drop on its 
transatlantic route to Mexico, while passenger loads on 
flights out of Mexico to Frankfurt are higher than normal. 
 
Economic Impact:  The stock exchange dropped slightly in 
today's trading, -0.75%.  The peso appreciated against the 
dollar from 14.10 pesos to 13.98 pesos to the dollar. 
Mexico's chamber of commerce estimates losses from business 
closures and reduced sales will average 777 million pesos 
(USD 55.5 million) daily, with the biggest losses felt by 
hotels and restaurants.  In annual terms, leading financial 
institution Banamex predicts a 1 percent flu-effect 
contraction in GDP. 
 
Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American 
Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / 
BASSETT