WORLD PROPERTY CHANNEL ®

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- The swine influenza hasn't hit the U.S. hotel industry to date, according to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

There have been no deaths reported from this influenza strain in the United States. As of April 29, the CDC had confirmed 91 cases of A/H1N1 swine flu in the United States. 

There was one fatality reported in Texas--a two-year old Mexican child who was brought to the United States for treatment.  The CDC is reporting that 40 of those afflicted have already recovered.

In late April 2009, a large number of swine flu influenza cases began sickening people in North American cities.  The disease appeared first in Mexico and its capital, Mexico City, and has spread throughout that country.

As of April 29, the infectious disease has killed 152 people in Mexico out of 2,000 reported cases and has spread to certain areas of the United States, with the majority of cases in New York City. Spain, New Zealand,Australia, Israel, Germany, and Canada have also reported cases of the disease.

The CDC says the swine influenza A/H1N1 viruses characterized in this outbreak have not been previously detected in pigs or humans.

"Because there are human cases associated with an animal influenza virus, and because of the geographical spread of multiple community outbreaks, plus the somewhat unusual age groups affected, these events are of high concern by public health authorities," according to the CDC.

On April 27, the CDC issued a Travel Health Warning for Mexico.  The agency recommends that all U.S. travelers avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico for the present time.

No travel warning has been issued by any authority restricting or advising against travel to the United States.  The borders of the United States remain open and welcome to travelers and business.  The U.S. Travel Association also has posted information regarding this outbreak on its website.

France has made a request to suspend all flights from the European Union to Mexico.  This proposal will be considered at a meeting of European Union health ministers, due to be held Thursday, April 30, in Luxembourg. 

Cuba and Argentina have both banned flights to Mexico.  The World Health Organization has argued against such travel bans, arguing that they are an ineffective way to stop to spread of the disease.

In light of the current threat of swine influenza in Mexico and certain U.S. areas, the AH&LA is urging the industry to ensure "a high level of sanitation at all times in order to minimize the possible outbreak or spread of infection."

AH&LA encourages hoteliers to stay informed and to develop strategies and precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of employees and guests.  "As we reminded people during previous health scares, it's important to "be prepared, but not panicked, "according to an AH&LA statement.

The CDC recommends frequent hand washing, minimizing touching their nose and mouth, and immediately discarding any tissues used for coughing.

Employees who exhibit flu symptoms should not report to work and stay home, minimizing contact with others.  If flu symptoms persist or worsen, medical treatment should be sought.

AH&LA is also a partner in TERN, a network of travel organizations that work together to coordinate efforts to respond to the possibility of an Avian Pandemic Influenza crisis.

Other organizations include the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IHRA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), International Federation of Tour Operators (IFTO), United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA) Airports Council International (ACI), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

---