VZCZCXRO5107
RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM
DE RUEHME #1235/01 1232253
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 032253Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6365
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 2566

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 MEXICO 001235 
 
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 KFLU KSCA TBIO MX
SUBJECT: SITREP 10 - H1N1 Outbreak in Mexico 
 
REF:  MEXICO 1234 
 
¶1. (U) SUMMARY 
-------------- 
 
On the morning of May 3, Secretary of Health Cordova announced that 
the GOM had confirmed 506 cases of H1N1 and 19 fatalities.  He 
stressed that Mexico had not ignored warnings from the World Health 
Organization (WHO) of a possible outbreak, but had responded in a 
timely and responsible manner.  Businesses and citizens alike are 
anxiously awaiting the GOM's decision, likely to be made May 4, on 
whether to continue school and business closures. 
 
¶2.  (U) FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTIONS 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
In a press conference on the morning of May 3, Health Secretary 
Cordova gave an overview of when the outbreak was detected in Mexico 
and when the government acted.  He appeared to be responding to 
press reports that as early as April 11 the WHO alerted authorities 
in Veracruz and Oaxaca of the possibility of an outbreak.  Cordova 
said the government began to act on April 20 after it was able to 
confirm that the first cases were not related to the seasonal flu, 
and that Mexico never discounted the gravity of the situation. 
 
Secretary Cordova acknowledged that the influenza outbreak has 
disproportionately affected Mexico's poor, especially those families 
with large numbers living under one roof and who lack access to 
basic sanitary conditions. 
 
¶3.  (U) ACTIONS BY NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 
--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
Nothing new to report. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) STATISTICS 
-------------------- 
 
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: Health Secretary Cordova announced in a May 3 
morning press conference that the number of confirmed cases now 
stands at 506 (39 percent of the total cases tested), including 19 
fatalities.  54 percent of the confirmed cases are women.  14 of the 
fatalities are women; 12 of the deceased were between 21 and 40 
years of age.  Only one confirmed case involves a foreign national - 
a citizen of Bangladesh, according to Secretary Cordova. 
 
STATE GOVERNMENT:  23 states have confirmed cases.  Below is the 
state-by-state breakdown of cases compiled by the Secretariat of 
Health, as of 2200 hrs on May 2. 
 
State-by-state Statistics (cases, deaths) 
Auguascalientes 5, 0 
Baja California 11, 0 
Baja California Sur 0, 0 
Campeche 0, 0 
Coahuila 0, 0 
Colima 9, 0 
Chiapas 6, 0 
Chihuahua 4, 0 
Distrito Federal 288, 6 
Durango 2, 0 
Guanajuato 1, 0 
Guerrero 3, 0 
Hidalgo 27, 0 
Jalisco 0, 0 
State of Mexico 70, 4 
Michoacan 1, 0 
Morelos 0, 0 
Nuevo Leon 0, 0 
Nayarit 0, 0 
Oaxaca 1, 1 
Puebla 3, 0 
Queretaro 2, 1 
Quintana Roo 1, 0 
San Luis Potosi 42, 0 
Sinaloa 0, 0 
Sonora 1, 0 
 
MEXICO 00001235  002 OF 005 
 
 
Tabasco 4, 0 
Tamaulipas 1, 0 
Tlaxcala 19, 1 
Veracruz 1, 0 
Yucatan 0, 0 
Zacatecas 4, 0 
Not specified 0, 7 
 
 
¶5.  (U) MANAGEMENT ISSUES 
------------------------- 
 
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 
----------------------- 
 
Call volume to the Embassy switchboard continues to decline.  In the 
24 hours through 0900 3 May, 37 calls were received, including only 
six influenza-related inquiries.  Between 0900 and 1500 on 3 May, 
the switchboard received only one influenza-related call. 
 
¶8.  (U) CONSULATE ISSUES 
------------------------ 
 
CIUDAD JUAREZ:  Chihuahua reports four confirmed H1N1 cases - two in 
Ciudad Juarez and two in Chihuahua City.  The Health Secretariat 
confirms that all four patients had mild flu symptoms.  While they 
have all completely recovered, they remain in quarantine as a 
precautionary measure.  The Health Secretariat believes that at 
least two of the patients contracted H1N1 while visiting Mexico City 
several weeks ago.  State health authorities told Post that the four 
patients are among the first cases detected on April 25. 
 
As of May 3, there are 29 possible cases of H1N1 in Ciudad Juarez 
(no figures are available for the entire state).  The local 
representative for the Secretariat of Health in Ciudad Juarez told 
Post that the number of new cases reported is declining daily, and 
added that he suspects many of the possible cases will ultimately be 
ruled out as seasonal flu.  There is no change in the state or local 
governments' response. 
 
The Center for Disease Control in El Paso reported to Post on May 3 
that there are eight possible cases and no confirmed H1N1 cases in 
El Paso County.  There is no change in the local government's 
response.  The CDC reiterated to Post that the rise in possible 
cases will not result in any change in its guidance to the general 
public or the government. 
 
GUADALAJARA:  There are still no reported cases of H1N1 in the state 
of Jalisco.  Health checkpoints at airports and roads across the 
state have led to over 12,000 vehicles and roughly 33,000 people 
being stopped.  Of the 120 cases screened on May 1-2, not one has 
come up positive. 
 
Though the Electoral Commission has given the green light for 
campaigns to begin today, with the exception of mass meetings until 
May 15, local political groups are being cautious.  The PAN 
candidate for Mayor of Guadalajara, Jorge Salinas, took out full 
page ads in the leading newspapers to urge his supporters not to 
conduct meetings or rallies in the face of these "difficult times," 
and invited other parties to be similarly "responsible." 
Nonetheless, PANistas are out canvassing. 
 
Many stores and businesses remain open, and though there is a great 
deal less traffic in area, life appears largely normal.  Post duty 
officer received no flu-related calls. 
 
HERMOSILLO:  To date, there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza 
confirmed in Hermosillo's consular district.  Arizona ports of entry 
 
MEXICO 00001235  003 OF 005 
 
 
report light traffic, down from yesterday.  Border wait times in 
Nogales range from 15-20 minutes.  DHS in Arizona reports no cases 
of visibly sick travelers entering the U.S. from Mexico.  The 
consulate duty officer received no calls regarding H1N1 during the 
last 24 hours. 
 
MERIDA:  There is general calm but much concern about the economic 
impact of H1N1.  Hotel occupancy throughout Quintana Roo is low, 
with estimates ranging between 40-50%.  In Merida, hotel occupancy 
is 20%.  80% of hotel reservations for this traditional Mexican 
holiday weekend were cancelled.  Cancun Airport reports 14 cancelled 
flights today (incoming) and Merida Airport reports the cancellation 
of 5 flights (outbound).  Throughout the peninsula, health checks 
continue at transportation hubs.  Cinemas remain closed and large 
public gatherings have been cancelled.  Stores and restaurants are 
generally open, but with lower volume.  Tourists and local residents 
are complying with all public health measures. 
 
MONTERREY:  Although several businesses did so "under protest," most 
non-essential businesses are closed and will remain so until May 5. 
Essential services and businesses such as utilities and supermarkets 
are open and operating normally.  The Nuevo Leon government has 
threatened to fine businesses that violate this course of action. 
San Luis Potosi authorities have sent mobile information cars to La 
Huasteca, a remote, poor and mountainous area, to urge all 
restaurants and masses to be closed.  Officials are also 
distributing information in anticipation of the resumption of 
classes, including how to sanitize the schools, and encourage the 
use of air filters face masks.  All incoming buses at the Coahuila 
bus stations are being inspected and highways are patrolled. 
Durango has suspended masses. 
 
The Nuevo Leon Secretary of Health has admitted that he knew, but 
did not disclose, information on the location of suspected cases, as 
he thought it might lead to panic.  San Luis Potosi and Nuevo Leon 
now report no deaths attributable to H1N1; previously, one death in 
Nuevo Leon had been a suspected case, and 15 deaths in San Luis 
Potosi had been attributed to H1N1.  224 of 270 suspected cases have 
been review in Nuevo Leon, with no confirmed cases.  San Luis Potosi 
is awaiting results for more than 200 cases; of the 101 results 
received so far, 29 cases are confirmed as H1N1.  Durango has 
confirmed two H1N1 cases, although it took a week for the test 
results to come back.  Durango has tested 430 cases; 367 were not 
H1N1, and they are still awaiting results for 63 cases.  In Coahuila 
there are conflicting reports.  The government states that they have 
reviewed 66 suspected cases, confirming that 47 are not H1N1, and 19 
are still under investigation.  Local media reports 89 suspected 
cases, of which 64 were not H1N1, and 25 cases are still under 
review.  Zacatecas does not have any updated figures.  (NOTE: The 
Health Secretariat reports four confirmed cases in Zacatecas.  END 
NOTE.) 
 
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:  While Sonora still has zero confirmed cases, Post reports 
the first confirmed case of H1N1 in Nogales, Arizona, on the other 
side of the border.  The positive case is a child who attends an 
elementary school in the Nogales Unified School District (NUSD) - 
all NUSD schools will be closed this coming week. 
 
NUEVO LAREDO:  The public remains calm and many people continue to 
wear face masks.  There are still no confirmed cases of H1N1 in 
Nuevo Laredo but local media reports nine suspected cases. 
Restaurants and grocery stores remain open to the public.  The local 
newspaper, El Manana, reported that that due to health concerns and 
the fear of contracting H1N1, local restaurants are suffering from 
declines in patronage.  Tourism from the United States to Nuevo 
Laredo has also fallen, and bridge traffic to Laredo, TX appears to 
be lower than average. 
 
TIJUANA:  The duty officer reports no flu-related calls.  The Baja 
California state Health Secretary announced that the number of 
confirmed cases of H1N1 in Baja has risen to 11 - ten in Mexicali 
and one in Ensenada.  Seven of the cases are minors, and four are 
adults (13 to 41 years old).  There is no known connection between 
 
MEXICO 00001235  004 OF 005 
 
 
the infected individuals.  Thirty additional samples, taken between 
April 23 and May 2, have been sent for testing.  Of those thirty 
cases, 16 have recovered completely; the remaining 14 remain 
hospitalized but should be released soon.  Cases across the border 
in San Diego now number 15, including four military cases.  None of 
the cases required hospitalization. 
 
Hospital General in Tijuana reported that around 50 people were 
examined at the mobile units, with only one showing flu symptoms, 
but even that patient was cleared.  The "suspect" case reported in 
SITREP 9 (see reftel) was cleared and released from the hospital; 
the hospital is now reporting that it is clear of the flu virus. 
 
Border crossing times remain low, with waits of approximately 10 
minutes in Otay Mesa and 30 minutes at San Ysidro.  Ensenada reports 
that people have returned to the beaches and all appears to be 
business as usual - but there are fewer visitors than expected. 
 
Aeromexico temporarily suspended its Tijuana-Shanghai flight after 
one passenger, travelling from Guadalajara to Shanghai via Tijuana, 
arrived in China with flu symptoms.  Yesterday's incoming flight was 
cancelled.  Travel agents report a 75% drop in business. 
 
¶9.  (U) MEDIA REACTION/GENERAL POPULATION SENTIMENTS 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
On May 3, coverage of the H1N1 flu outbreak in the Mexican media 
focused on international issues.  The top story in all newspapers 
and electronic media newscasts was the press conference held by the 
Secretary of Foreign Relations, Patricia Espinosa.  Secretary 
Espinosa expressed her concern and objected to what she called 
"unjustified, unilateral, discriminatory and incoherent" measures 
adopted by Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and Cuba who suspended flights 
to Mexico. "We are especially concerned about China," she stated 
referring to the Mexicans there who have been quarantined.  "And we 
recommend Mexicans not to travel to China." 
 
Many commentators and media outlets, like TV Azteca's Mariano 
Rivapalacio, suggested that, "Discrimination against Mexicans is 
more contagious than the H1N1 virus."  Five newspapers ran this as 
the feature story, as shown by the following front page headlines, 
"Discriminatory and unfair treatment to Mexicans" (El Universal); 
"China segregates 71 Mexicans" (Milenio); "Secretariat of Foreign 
Relations condemns discrimination against Mexicans" (La Cronica); 
"Outbreak infects foreign policy" (Excelsior); "SRE condemns attacks 
against Mexicans" (Rumbo de Mexico).  El Universal's political 
gossip column Bajo Reserva stated, "The discrimination faced by 
Mexicans around the world for the H1N1 flu outbreak is so serious 
that Secretary Espinosa took advantage of the presence of foreign 
correspondents to condemn the fact. She even talked of xenophobic 
practices Mexicans have suffered, especially in China." 
 
During the press conference, Secretary Espinosa highlighted many 
times the great cooperation with the United States.  She mentioned 
both the good flow of information with the Mexican communities in 
the United States and "the assistance and cooperation we have had 
from the first moment" with the U.S. government.  Further, a phone 
conversation between President Calderon and President Obama was also 
among the top items in the media.  "President Calderon told Barack 
Obama that there were positive signs that the outbreak was being 
contained with the number of cases stabilizing," stated news 
reports.  "Calderon also recognized Obama for his cooperation and 
for keeping the border open."  Newspaper Uno Mas Uno even featured 
the headline "U.S. and Mexico versus flu." 
 
Other media topics included President Calderon's meeting with state 
governors to consolidate actions against the outbreak, and the fact 
that for the second day in a row there were no new reported deaths 
in Mexico City. 
 
¶10.  (U) ECONOMIC IMPACT 
------------------------ 
 
With no new flu-related deaths reported for the second day in a row, 
some Mexicans and business owners felt confident enough to ignore 
the nationwide shutdown on May 2 and May 3.  While several major 
shopping malls and other stores were closed throughout the city, a 
 
MEXICO 00001235  005 OF 005 
 
 
handful of nonessential businesses including opticians, stationery 
stores and beauty salons remained open.  Some residents walked their 
dogs and chatted with neighbors, many choosing to forgo the 
ubiquitous surgical masks.  Businesses and citizens alike are 
anxiously awaiting the GOM's decision, likely to be made May 4, on 
whether to continue the school and business closures. 
 
¶11.  (U) TRANSPORTATION 
----------------------- 
 
This has been an extremely quiet long weekend for airlines operating 
in Mexico.  Flag carriers Aeromexico and Mexicana are now beginning 
to feel the pinch, and both firms are cancelling domestic flights - 
reducing the frequency of operations between cities but not 
discontinuing service.  Their international routes are in even worse 
shape.  Mexicana managed to repatriate customers stranded in Havana, 
due to the suspension of flights by the Cuban government.  Following 
Minister Espinosa's public comments and considerable diplomatic 
pressure, flights to Buenos Aires will restart May 4. 
 
¶12.  (U) U.S. ASSISTANCE 
------------------------ 
 
The total shipment of 100,000 personal protection kits dispatched by 
USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) arrived in 
Mexico City on May 2 - there had earlier been some confusion as to 
whether or not it was a partial shipment.  OFDA will coordinate the 
distribution of the kits (an estimated donation of almost 1 million 
USD) with the GOM authorities. 
 
BASSETT