We advise you to avoid visiting regions affected with novel influenza virus if possible

Although no explicit prohibition to travel or any other additional restrictions have been imposed on travellers due to the occurrence of cases caused by the novel influenza virus (A/H1N1) spreading around the globe, we recommend you not to visit affected regions if possible.

Currently, the affected region is deemed to be Mexico. If a trip to Mexico is unavoidable and cannot be postponed, you should observe the local epidemiological situation and health recommendations.

In recent weeks several people have become infected with the novel influenza virus A/H1N1 in Mexico and the USA (New York City, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio). Single imported cases have been registered elsewhere in the world by now.

According to the data released this morning (April 29) by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 reported outside of the European Union include 64 cases in the USA, 33 in Mexico, 13 in Canada, 11 in New Zealand and 2 in Israel.

7 cases of influenza A/H1N1 had been confirmed in the European Union, two of them in Spain, two in Great Britain and 3 in Germany. All of the 7 cases had a history of travel to Mexico.

As a rule, the disease has had a mild course; only Mexico has reported 7 deaths. The exact reasons of deaths are being further investigated.

Human-to-human transmission of the novel flu virus A/H1N1 takes place through droplet infection. Upon contracting the disease, typical flu-like symptoms occur like fever, combined either with cough, headache, sore throat, muscular pain or difficulty breathing.

Travellers arriving from affected regions:

People returning from affected areas should observe their personal health for 7 days. If you develop flu-like symptoms (fever combined either with cough, headache, sore throat, muscle pains or difficulty breathing) you should immediately contact a physician by phone and inform the physician also of your travel to an area affected by the novel influenza virus.

To avoid infection with influenza the Estonian Health Protection Inspectorate recommends:

• Pay more attention to general hygienic measures, in particular hand washing with soap and water;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
• Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissues immediately in the trash after use;
• Avoid mass gatherings;
• Avoid contacts with people who are ill (people with respiratory symptoms).

Additional information:
Tel. 6943546