BACKLASH:MEXICO HAS protested over a backlash against Mexican travellers who have been quarantined and banned from several countries as suspected swine flu carriers.
Mexican authorities yesterday singled out China for its draconian measures and criticised four Latin American states for restricting air links. More than 70 Mexican travellers have been quarantined in hospitals and hotels in China as part of measures against swine flu.
“Mexican citizens showing no signs at all of being ill have been isolated under unacceptable conditions,” said Patricia Espinosa, Mexico’s foreign minister. “These are discriminatory measures, without foundation. The foreign ministry recommends avoiding travelling to China until these measures are corrected.”
In the United States, talk shows referred to “fajita flu” and “infected illegal aliens”, injecting fresh rancour into the immigration debate.
Colombia and Chile denied the use of stadiums to two Mexican football teams for the Copa Libertadores de America tournament. A Mexican team that was allowed to play in Chile complained it was treated “like lepers”. One player, Hector Reynoso, responded to apparent taunts by coughing and blowing mucus at an opposing player and shouting: “Now I have infected you with swine flu.” He later apologised.
Peru, Argentina, Cuba and Ecuador have restricted flights to Mexico, prompting complaints from Ms Espinosa. “We’re surprised by the adoption of unjustified measures,” the minister said.
Health officials said Mexico's epidemic appeared to be ebbing after a national shutdown. "The evolution of the epidemic is now in its declining phase," said José Angel Cordova, the health minister. – ( Guardianservice)