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NEWS AND CURRENT HAPPENINGS

CAM International response to Swine Flu Alert.
 
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). CAM International is releasing this statement in an effort to keep our short and long-term missionaries, as well as prayer and financial supporters, informed of the impact of the Swine Flu on the CAM Family. CAM takes this situation seriously, and is daily monitoring relevant developments concerning Mexico and other affected countries within the scope of CAM ministries.  This statement is current as of April 29, 2009.
 
CAM missionaries living and serving in Mexico number 50 adults, with a roughly equal number of missionary children. These missionaries serve on seven transformation teams across central Mexico, including the cities of Mexico City, Puebla, Pachuca, Queretaro, San Juan del Rio, and Texcoco. An eighth team serves at the U.S./Mexican border near McAllen, TX.
 
As of this writing, none of our Mexico missionaries are reporting health problems related to swine flu. Mexico City missionary Stu Grewatz commented, “We are taking the epidemic seriously by being careful, but not fearful. We are observing normal hygiene practices including frequent hand washing.  We are also taking vitamin C for its anti-viral protection.” Jonathan Baker, writing from the city of Pachuca, observed that “there seem to be two extremes in people’s reaction to the outbreak.  Many are scared while others are more indifferent. “
 
Rod Fry, serving in Ixtapaluca, just outside Mexico City, encourages supporters of CAM ministries to “pray for a spiritual revival here because of this. People are realizing they are mortal, fragile beings. Pray that people would be more open and eager to hear some very Good News.”  As CAM missionaries serve in this context, please pray for health and safety, and that God will provide open doors to share about the hope that is only found through Jesus Christ.
 
At this time, CAM is not making an official recommendation regarding the travel plans of anyone preparing to visit CAM missionaries or projects in Mexico, and has not suspended nor cancelled summer internships and short-term teams. CAM advises that anyone affected make prudent decisions based on staying abreast of frequently updated information at the following websites:
 
World Health Organization: The WHO recommends “no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel…” To view daily updates from the WHO, please visit http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/.
 
Centers for Disease Control: The CDC is recommending the following actions to prevent the flu:
  • Avoid close contact.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose.
  • Clean your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Practice good health.
Stay up to date with specific swine flu information from the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
 
U.S. State Department: State officials are reminding citizens that “most cases of influenza are not H1N1 [swine] influenza.” Information on State Department travel alerts can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html.
 
 
As further information develops, CAM International will update this statement. 

 
Written by: Phil O'Day
Director of Organizational Development and Communication
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