Ships Continue Flu Screening Protocols

Seatrade Insider
May 18, 2009

Uniform cruise line screening protocols for H1N1 virus and scaled-up ship sanitation practices continue following Friday's downgrade of the US and UK advice against non-essential travel to Mexico.

As earlier reported, the change is leading to Mexico ports being gradually reinstated on itineraries, a process that will unfold over coming weeks -- although ResidenSea's The World was able to take immediate advantage of the change, making its return already last Friday.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health authorities downgraded their advisories on evidence that the Mexico swine flu outbreak is slowing in many cities, though not all. In addition, the US and other countries are seeing increasing numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico. Also, the risk of severe disease from novel H1N1 virus infection now appears to be less than originally thought.

Cruise Lines International Association officials have been in continuous communication with national and international health authorities before and during the advisories. CLIA now is working closely with the World Health Organization on traveler's guidelines, ensuring the CLIA protocols are accepted internationally.

Under the CDC's travel precaution, travelers at high risk for complications from swine flu include children under 5, persons 65 and older and pregnant women, among others.