VZCZCXRO5068
RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM
DE RUEHME #1234/01 1231856
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 031856Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6361
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA
RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHINGTON DC
INFO RUEHXC/ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE
RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 2562

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 MEXICO 001234 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
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 9 - H1N1 Outbreak in Mexico 
 
¶1. (U) SUMMARY 
-------------- 
 
Secretary of Health Cordova announced that the GOM had confirmed 443 
cases of H1N1 and 16 fatalities as of the morning of 2 May. 
President Calderon and Mayor Ebrard registered encouragement at what 
they viewed as a positive turn in statistics.  The U.S. and Mexican 
Presidents reviewed the situation by phone.  Mexico's Foreign 
Secretary denounced discrimination against Mexicans abroad. 
 
¶2.  (U) FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTIONS 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
On the afternoon of 2 May, Presidents Calderon and Obama spoke to 
discuss Mexican and U.S. action against the flu outbreak.  According 
to a press release by the Mexican Presidency, Calderon thanked his 
U.S. counterpart for maintaining open movement of people and 
commerce and for the U.S. donation of antiviral drug Tamiflu. 
 
Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Espinosa denounced treatment 
of Mexican nationals abroad by certain countries and advised 
Mexicans against travel to China.  By the Foreign Ministry's count, 
China has quarantined 71 Mexican nationals.  This number includes 
many who arrived in Shanghai aboard the same airliner as an 
H1N1-infected passenger.  Espinosa expressed dismay that "brother" 
countries Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador had suspended flights to 
Mexico. 
 
Mexico City Mayor Ebrard held a morning press conference 2 May in 
which he said he believed the capital had moved from "stage red" to 
"stage yellow."  According to his analysis, the situation is 
stabilizing and the city is better positioned than last week.  He 
announced a new program of heightened cleaning of mass transit 
facilities, schools, and public markets. 
 
¶3.  (U) ACTIONS BY NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
Nothing new to report. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) STATISTICS 
-------------------- 
 
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: Secretary of Health Cordova announced in a 1 May 
morning press conference that the number of confirmed cases now 
stands at 443 (out of 1,105 cases tested), with fatalities steady at 
¶16.  Of the 16 dead, the distribution by state is: 11 Federal 
District, 3 State of Mexico, 1 Oaxaca, 1 Tlaxcala.  9 of the 16 were 
aged between 21 and 40.  12 were female, 4 male.  Some degree of 
doubt remains as regards 2 of the 16 fatalities, which cases will be 
retested. 
 
STATE GOVERNMENT:  The state-by-state breakdown of cases compiled by 
the Secretariat of Health was not available today subsequent to 
release of the Secretariat of Health's latest countrywide numbers. 
In a meeting the afternoon of 2 May with the governors of the states 
of Morelos, Michoacn and Durango, President Calderon said federal 
and state governments would standardize available information for 
better coordination of data.  The President also noted that the 
day's statistics given by the Secretary of Health were encouraging. 
 
¶5.  (U) MANAGEMENT ISSUES 
------------------------- 
 
The CDC has allocated USD 20,000 to finance logistical support for 
its ongoing field operations in Mexico.  The Embassy medical unit 
received no calls in the last 24 hours and tested no additional 
staff for H1N1.  Confirmation is still pending on the one Embassy 
case deemed "probable." 
 
¶6.  (U) SECURITY ISSUES 
----------------------- 
 
Nothing new to report. 
 
¶7.  (U) CONSULAR ISSUES 
----------------------- 
 
MEXICO 00001234  002 OF 004 
 
 
 
Call volume to the Embassy switchboard continues to decline.  In the 
24 hours through 0900 2 May, 58 calls were received, divided evenly 
among passport, visa, and influenza queries.  Between 1000 and 1500 
on 2 May, the switchboard received 11 calls, 3 of which concerned 
H1N1. 
 
MERIDA:  Test results received 2 May indicate the AmCit whose case 
we detailed in Sitrep 8 is negative for H1N1.  The AmCit will return 
stateside on 3 May. 
 
¶8.  (U) CONSULATE ISSUES 
------------------------ 
 
GUADALAJARA:  Health checkpoints set up by state officials on major 
highways and state roads led to a few individuals being stopped and 
checked, but no positive results for H1N1.  Similar checks are 
occurring at the Guadalajara airport -- approximately 30 yesterday, 
all of which turned out negative. 
 
The Jalisco state secretary of labor, Ernesto Espinosa, stated he 
would not seek to sanction companies that are staying open, in spite 
of the decree for non-essential businesses to close through May 5. 
Most restaurants and small businesses in Guadalajara have remained 
open through the weekend, though business is noticeably down. 
Larger business, however, have shuttered, with some 6,000 factories 
closing through the holiday. 
 
HERMOSILLO:  No cases of H1N1 influenza confirmed to date in 
Hermosillo's consular district.  Arizona ports of entry report 
moderate traffic, down slightly from yesterday.  Border wait times 
in Nogales range from 50 minutes (Deconcini POE) to 45 minutes 
(Mariposa).  DHS in Arizona reports no cases of visibly sick 
travelers entering the U.S. from Mexico.  The consulate duty phone 
received no calls regarding H1N1 influenza during the last 24 
hours. 
 
MERIDA:  Quintana Roo reports overall hotel occupancy at 50%. 
Cancun has experiences a 44% decline in occupancy over recent days. 
The airport reports 7 cancelled flights today (incoming).  Arriving 
flights have very low load factors.  Outgoing flights remain full. 
 
MONTERREY:  Although the state governments are all following federal 
regulations, several states are increasingly emphasizing that their 
states are "free" of H1N1 flu.  Coahuila, Zacatecas and Durango 
stress they have no confirmed cases, although there are a number of 
suspected cases being tested.  Nuevo Leon also has no confirmed 
cases, while San Luis Potosi recognizes that H1N1 is more serious. 
Several states emphasize they have sufficient anti-viral medication 
on hand.  Most Labor Day celebrations were cancelled 1 May, less the 
large CTM labor union march in Nuevo Leon.  States are taking steps 
to reduce the risk of H1N1.  Nuevo Leon closed bars (and enforced 
the order).  Monterrey airport installed a thermographic device to 
measure passengers' body temperature.  IMSS (social security) 
hospitals in Zacatecas are providing medical care to all people with 
H1N1 symptoms, not just their patients. 
 
People in Nuevo Leon stayed home, although a few ventured out to 
open air parks.  A representative of business association CANACO 
estimated 80% of businesses were open, although sales were off 
substantially.  Hotel occupancy was off 50% and many conferences 
were cancelled.  Basic services continued normally.  In San Luis 
Potosi, bus ridership fell by 60%.  H1N1 continues to headline news 
reports.  Reporting discusses the latest statistics, cancellation of 
May 1 celebrations, the impact of fear of the flu, and the drop in 
tourism.  Several stories addressed the treatment of Mexicans 
traveling to other countries.  Finally, there were stories about how 
many Mexicans decided to spend the weekend in the U.S. and traffic 
jams at the border. 
 
There are no suspected cases of H1N1 among Consulate direct hire, 
LES staff or dependents.  The duty officer has not received any 
calls related to H1N1. 
 
NOGALES:  No change in public reaction from yesterday's report.  CBP 
reports normal northbound traffic at both Nogales ports of entry. 
Sonora still has zero confirmed cases.  There are a number of 
 
MEXICO 00001234  003 OF 004 
 
 
suspect cases on both sides of the border, all with tests sent for 
sampling and awaiting results.  Visa services are suspended until 
May 8th.  If services re-open early, H2 applicants will be contacted 
as soon as possible.  ACS continues with limited service for 
emergencies and passport and CRBA applications. 
 
NUEVO LAREDO:  The public is calm and many people continue to wear 
face masks. Restaurants and grocery stores remain open to the 
public.  According to local newspaper El Manana there are 9 
suspected cases of H1N1 in Nuevo Laredo but still no confirmed 
cases.  The local newspaper also reported that on 30 April, one 
Bertha Garcia Garza was refused entry into the Laredo point of entry 
(Bridge 1) for showing symptoms of influenza.  Yesterday, the Laredo 
Independent School District announced that it will be closed until 
May 18.  Several EFMs at post attend school in Laredo, TX. 
 
TIJUANA:  Although unconfirmed by official sources, press reports an 
announcement from the Baja state health secretary of four positive 
cases of H1N1 in Baja, all in Mexicali.  The four cases were seen 
between the end of March and mid-April.  The patients and their 
families were treated and all have fully recovered.  Hospital 
General in Tijuana reports one patient in isolation who is 
"suspect."  Three other cases for whom samples were sent tested 
negative.  The hospital has set up outside mobile units for checking 
people who arrive with H1N1 symptoms. 
 
Ports of entry report less-than-expected crossings for the holiday 
weekend, with waits of less than an hour.  CBP has begun handing out 
information cards that list flu symptoms and provide website links 
for more information.  San Diego announced the closure of three high 
schools and suspension of extracurricular activities for the next 
two weeks due to confirmed cases.  (No Consulate children attend any 
of the closed schools.)  The San Diego area now has at least ten 
confirmed cases, including multiple military personnel. 
 
Business group COPARMEX estimated 550 businesses, with 45,000 to 
50,000 employees, will remain closed for the weekend following the 1 
May holiday.  The local Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) announced that 
the bars and cantinas of Tijuana remain open for business.  Rosarito 
and Ensenanda businesses are also open in hopes the long weekend 
will generate business, but the beaches are deserted.  The Tijuana 
airport director reported passenger load is down 25%. 
 
¶9.  (U) MEDIA REACTION/GENERAL POPULATION SENTIMENTS 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
On 2 May, Mexican media coverage focused on the devastating effect 
H1N1 is having on tourism -- the country's number four source of 
foreign revenue.  Newspaper Reforma's feature story is "Virus kills 
tourism."  Secretary of Tourism Elizondo said that Cancun and other 
destinations were experiencing a 70% cancellation rate and that 
foreign tourism around the country could be down 85% by next week. 
The Reforma report highlighted that Continental airlines would cut 
by half its flights to Mexico during the month of May.  Secretary 
Elizondo said that all ad campaigns to promote tourism to Mexico 
around the world would be put on hiatus.  Other outlets echoed with 
similarly bleak headlines: "Rejection of Mexicans grows around the 
World" (El Universal); "Tourism close to zero, 2.2 million jobs at 
risk" (El Sol de Mexico). 
Several media outlets treated the announcement by the Secretary of 
Health that there are now 443 confirmed cases of H1N1 and 16 deaths 
as a positive development.  "Flu takes a dip," stated newspaper 
Milenio, while daily La Cronica titled its feature story "No new 
deaths in Mexico City."  Secretary Cordova attributed the increase 
in the number of confirmed cases to faster sample processing by 
authorities.  Other "good news" stories included the calculation of 
an infection rate, established to be 1.5, and donations from around 
the world, including USD 5 million from the U.S. (Note: provided to 
WHO and PAHO), USD 5 million from China, and Euro 1 million from 
Spain, as well as 400,000 courses of Tamiflu from the U.S. 
Newspaper Reforma also reported the decision of the Secretariats of 
Health and Public Education that before schools are re-opened they 
will be disinfected and new committees and protocols created to keep 
them clean.  "Even when activities return to normal, many measures 
will stay in effect to avoid a new outbreak."  According to 
Milenio's political gossip column Trascendio, businesses around the 
country are expected to reopen May 6, while schools could resume 
 
MEXICO 00001234  004 OF 004 
 
 
classes May 11.  Columnist Salvador Garcia of El Universal noted 
that negotiations between federal electoral authorities, Congress 
and the federal government had brought agreement not to reschedule 
midterm elections. 
 
¶10.  (U) ECONOMIC IMPACT 
------------------------ 
 
Labor Day in Mexico City was significantly quieter than usual. 
Instead of Zocalo-overflowing demonstrations, only several radical 
teacher, communist, and commercial sex worker groups conducted 
marches.  Protestors wore protective masks. 
 
¶11.  (U) TRANSPORTATION 
----------------------- 
 
On 1 May, the Air Transport Association, the U.S. airline industry 
group, formally requested the Directorate General for Civil Aviation 
(DGAC, Mexico's FAA) grant a temporary waiver of minimum slot usage 
requirements at Mexico City and Cancun airports.  The written 
request follows verbal assurances already offered by the DGAC.  If 
approved, it will allow U.S. carriers to reduce capacity in line 
with falling passenger demand without forfeiting valuable landing 
slots at Mexico's two busiest airports. 
 
164 of 189 passengers and crew of an Aeromexico 777 that carried an 
H1N1 positive Mexican national to Shanghai on 30 April (AM flight 
98, Mexico City-Shanghai) were reported to be in quarantine in 
China. 
 
¶12.  (U) U.S. ASSISTANCE 
------------------------ 
 
The initial shipment of the 100,000 personal protection kits 
dispatched by USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) 
arrived in Mexico City on 2 May.  OFDA and GOM authorities are 
conducting an inventory as of this writing. 
 
BASSETT