Department of Foreign Affairs tells Aussies to avoid Mexico

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) is urging Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Mexico.The travel bulletin on the Smarttraveller website has also called for Australians who are in Mexico and concerned for their health to leave."The overall level of the advice has increased. We now advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Mexico due to the out break of a severe strain of swine influenza," said the bulletin.The change comes after the World Health Organisation upgraded the level of the influenza outbreak from phase 3 to 4 (of 6).The bulletin added: "The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable."DFAT has advised Australians still planning to visit Mexico to get vaccinations against seasonal influenza two weeks prior to travel, although the degree of protection against this strain of swine flu is not clear.Travellers are also told to organise comprehensive travel insurance and to check the level of cover.

"You should be aware that the Australian Government will not pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs," warns DFAT.Visitors to Mexico are also being urged to register their travel plans and contact details, and to subscribe to the travel advisory on their destination for updates.While travelling Australians are being asked to "practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing)".Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs for advice and travel restrictions.For more information on swine flu, call the Commonwealth Health Hotline on 1802007 or visit the Department of Health and Ageing website.