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Mexico City locks itself in amid flu fears
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-27 11:10 Schools have been canceled in the capital and the states of Mexico and San Luis Potosi until May 6. Hundreds of public events including concerts and sports matches have been called off to keep people spreading the virus in crowds. Zoos were closed and visits to juvenile correction centers were suspended. Twenty people have been sickened in the United States and six in Canada, and suspected cases were being reported as far away as Israel and New Zealand. The U.S. declared a public health emergency, providing for easier access to flu tests and medications, and enhanced surveillance along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Mexico's federal and city governments report 22 confirmed deaths from swine flu. Another 64 are suspected, including three reported by the Mexico City mayor's office Sunday. Nearly 1,400 people are believed infected. Most of those who died sought medical help only after the disease was well advanced, Mexico City Health Secretary Armando Ahued said. By Sunday, throngs of Mexicans were rushing to hospitals, some with just a fever. "We don't know if it's the flu or not, but we're very worried," said Sergio Zunun, a 59-year-old merchant, waiting outside the Obregon Hospital for his brother, a police officer, who complained of a respiratory infection. Others complained they had symptoms but couldn't find a doctor to see them. Jose Isaac Cepeda, who has had fever, diarrhea and joint pains since Friday, said he was turned away from two hospitals — the first because he isn't registered in the public health system, and the second "because they say they're too busy." "No one anywhere is helping us," lamented his wife, Maria del Mar Perez. "What can we do? We don't have insurance. We don't have money to go to a private hospital." And while most people stayed home, others had no choice. Daniela Briseno, 31, swept a gutter with a broom made of twigs, wearing a jumpsuit and two dirty blue surgical masks she says she found. "I should be at home," she said, "but I have a family to support." |
