Details can be found here, but basically due to the increase of violent crime in Columbia the US Department of State is warning against travel to the area. The warning also states that it encorages anyone who is traveling to the country to be sure to register with the US Embassy through the State Department’s website (which is always a good idea).

Happy and safe travels everyone!

The World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent experts to Mexico to work with health authorities.

On April 25, the Government of Mexico announced that as a precautionary measure, all schools from kindergarten through university level will remain closed until May 6 in the Federal District, State of Mexico, and San Luis Potosi.  All government-sponsored events involving large crowds have also been canceled, and museums and most tourist attractions are closed. 

Consular operations at all consular posts in Mexico will be affected by this flu outbreak.  Please refer to Embassy Mexico’s web page and that of individual posts for the latest information on closings and service reductions.    

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not “swine flu.” Any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Mexico City medical authorities urge people to avoid hospitals and clinics unless they have a medical emergency, since hospitals are centers of infection; instead, those with health concerns are encouraged to stay home and call their physicians to avoid potential exposure.  Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following links:  http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html  (Spanish)
 http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html  (English)

For additional information, please consult the State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov, the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int.  The U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be reached from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444.  The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The U.S. State Department has renewed a travel advisory warning Americans about an increase in violence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The alert does not recommend staying away from the country or any particular part of it, but advises American to stay away from prostitution and drug-dealing areas.

It recommends visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas.

The alert issued Friday says violent crime is particularly worrisome along the U.S.-Mexico border, where automatic weapons and grenades have been used in clashes between police and drug traffickers.

More than 6,000 people were killed in drug violence in Mexico last year.