Mexico is the epicenter of what some worry could be a global pandemic. Although it seems the likelihood of such a result is remote despite the World Health Organization (WHO) having raised the pandemic threat level today, this virus has affected the lives of many in Mexico and disrupted Mexican society in general. 

 Recently, drastic measures were announced by the Mexican government in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the swine flu.  In addition to cancelling public events in Mexico, Mexican officials announced that all schools nationwide will be closed from Tuesday April 28, 2009 until at least May 6, 2009.  This is all part of a herculean effort to keep people from congregating in masses

 Mexico is home to one the most populated cities in the world, Mexico City.  Over 8 million people live in Mexico City[1], located near the center of the country, and over 18 million people live in the Mexico City metro area[2] .  The city’s mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, is planning to shut down the entire city. This includes closing gyms, swimming pools, pool halls, sports clubs and movie theaters.  Even restaurants are prohibited from serving patrons inside of their establishments until further notice- restaurants are only permitted to offer takeout.[3]  There are even plans to shut down their entire public transportation system[4]. 

 Mexico City is not the only highly populated city in the country.  There are nine cities in Mexico with a population of over 1 million people, as many as in the U.S.  However, Mexico has a third of the total population of the United States.  Such densely populated regions are the most vulnerable to the swine flu. 

 Preliminary reports indicate ground zero of the out break of the swine flu seems to be near the city of Perote, west of the capitol in the state of Veracruz, the third most populated state in Mexico.  The outbreak seems to have started near a farm run by a company that is partly owned by Smithfield Foods of Virginia.  Residents of the town have made complaints in the past against these pig-breeding farms, claiming they have become sick from the pollution produced by these facilities[5].

 Livestock breeding, amongst other agricultural industries, is a major industry for the people of Veracruz.  The state enjoys a long span of gulf coastline (Perote is not located on the coast, however). It is home to the important port city of Veracruz, whose port was founded by Hernan Cortes in 1519.  This state draws significant tourism, mostly to the coast and from within the country, and has its own international airport. 

 Mexico is truly at the brink of a national crisis.  To understand the gravity of the situation facing the Mexican people, imagine the entire city of New York being shut down indefinitely.  Paralyze the rest of America’s largest cities and then close down all of the schools in the United States.  It is difficult to grasp such widespread disruption in our own country.  Fortunately, these are all voluntary measures being taken by the Mexican government to prevent an epidemic rather than a necessary reaction to an existing epidemic.  Such actions will undoubtedly save the lives of countless people.  However, the impact places and will continue to place a devastating burden on the people of the country who are already forced to confront escalating drug-related violence and a battered economy.  And, as if Mexico needed more, an earthquake hit Mexico City today with a magnitude of 5.6.

 While other countries are certainly feeling the effects of this outbreak, probably the most significant being fear,  please keep our neighbors in mind and take all of the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.  At this point I have not been able to find any programs to offer our support to the people of Mexico, but will keep you posted.  Please contact us if you find any information on how to help.

[2] http://www.worldatlas.com/citypops.htm

[3] http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jbivsX4s822HikpqqdRSdiORGrIwD97RICEO0

[4] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/27/AR2009042702017_2.html?sid=ST2009042703878

[5] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/27/AR2009042702017.html