U.S. government warns against traveling to Mexico; impact on Surf Summit unclear

As the outbreak of swine influenza virus spreads, U.S. government officials today recommended travelers cancel non-essential trips to Mexico.

The Surf Summit is scheduled to start next Wednesday in Cabo San Lucas. In a statement, the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association said it is monitoring the situation and talking to local health officials and the hotel in Cabo San Lucas. SIMA said it will keep attendees informed about any changes or updates and its first priority is the health and safety of Surf Summit attendees.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suspect clinical cases of the swine flu have been reported in 19 of Mexico's 32 states. In the U.S., the number of confirmed cased rose to a total of 40 in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the U.S. cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. Of the U.S. cases, only a few required hospitalization, however the virus is suspected to have caused 149 deaths in Mexico, according to media reports.

"CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States," according to the CDC statement.

For those who do travel to Mexico, extensive delays are expected at Mexican airports as authorities are conducting Swine flu screenings for travelers departing the country, according to the CDC website. Passengers showing symptoms of swine influenza will be asked to submit voluntarily to physical examination and further evaluation, if needed.

In the U.S., there are currently not any enhanced entry screening of passengers arriving from Mexico, nor is the United States conducting exit screening of passengers departing for Mexico.