Frequently Asked Questions
Concerning the Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1)
Concerning the Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1)
What is the latest on the flu outbreak? This statement is current as of May 03, 2009.
The U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 in response to the Swine Flu Alert posted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). AIM takes this alert very seriously and is monitoring the situation very closely:
World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/):
“WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders…”US State Department(http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html):“The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 influenza.”Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/):The CDC is recommending the following actions to prevent the flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with
others to keep from infecting them.
Are there any cases of flu reported in the Matamoras area where AIM works?
AIM currently has missionaries and their families stationed at its base near Matamoras, Mexico. As of this writing, none of AIM’s Mexico based missionaries or family members have reported health problems related to swine flu (Influenza A H1N1). AIM is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and will immediately report any signs of flu.
As of May 3, 2009 Mexico’s health secretary said the swine flu epidemic in his country “is now in its declining phase,”
How will the current flu outbreak impact my summer mission trip?
At this time, the World Health Organization does not recommend the restriction of regular travel or the closure of borders. The current flu outbreak has resulted in a heightened awareness of good hygiene practices in accordance with CDC recommendations and those will be enforced for everyone’s safety.
Will my trip be cancelled? What are my options?
AIM has no plans to cancel any mission projects or programs either domestically or abroad, including Mexico. AIM has coordinated plans to facilitate your group at another venue in the event a cancellation would occur.
What measures have been taken to ensure safety in Mexico?
Adventures In Missions has worked in the poor areas of Matamoros for many years. AIM has an excellent reputation with the local governmental agencies in Matamoras and coordinates with them in order to make an international mission trip safe and smooth. With overall safety a priority at AIM, the following are in place:
• AIM has a backup plan in place should the need arise to leave the Matamorasbase due to emergencies or medical issues.
• AIM has plans in place with local government officials as to when and where ourgroups are working.
• AIM Staff are constantly monitoring the safety of our groups.
• AIM is warmly welcomed into the community. The local Pastors pay close attentionto what is going on in their own neighborhoods, and notify us when they feel thatwe should avoid a particular area.
• AIM Groups have the capacity to be reached via mobile phone if there is anemergency. We maintain a 24 hour emergency line at AIM’s Gainesville office shouldanyone need to get a hold of a group for extreme emergencies.
What do I tell concerned parents?
AIM takes the health and safety of AIM participants very seriously. Issues of concern are monitored daily and assessed as they may apply to our ministry. AIM actively follows the recommendations of the CDC, World Health Organization and the US Department of State for the locations that AIM does ministry in.
AIM will have a full time physician on location at the Matamoros base throughout the summer. In the event that a participant requires further treatment, we will cross the border where we have access to medical facilities in the United States.
How will AIM work with me to manage people’s concerns?
We at AIM recognize the responsibility a Youth Pastor or Group Leader has when bringing others onto the mission field. AIM shares that responsibility and takes it very seriously. Our Church Mobilization Representatives are ready and available to answer questions and provide information available to you and your church at your request.
If I have more questions, is there an email or phone number where I can get answers?
Yes! If you have more questions concerning this or any topic in relation to an AIM mission project, we encourage you to contact your Project Leader. If you don’t have a Project Leader assigned to you, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or toll free at 1-800-881-2461.
Please visit our website at www.adventures.org and the Matamoros, Mexico blog page at
http://matamoros.myadventures.org for updates concerning the outbreak.
