Mysterious influenza epidemic in Mexico state

On 24 April 2009 the Mexican government closed all schools and universities in Mexico City and the state of Mexico because of a mysterious influenza epidemic. All people with flu symptoms were advised to also stay home from work. The government warned civilians to stay away from large gatherings as the epidemic has the ability to spread quickly. It is unknown how long schools and universities will be closed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there are unconfirmed reports of 800 suspected cases in Mexico and seven in the southwestern United States, including Texas and California. The WHO has activated its Strategic Health Operations Centre (SHOC), which monitors acute public health issues, but has not indicated whether it will issue a travel advisory. This is an ongoing development and further details are likely to emerge. Thus far no public health agencies have issued warnings to defer travel to the affected areas.