Federal Swine Flu Response Demands Cross-Border Restrictions

Press Release

Federal Swine Flu Response Demands Cross-Border Restrictions

In response to reports about increasing swine flu infections, Congressman Duncan D. Hunter is urging the Obama Administration to consider restricting cross-border traffic entering the U.S. from Mexico.

Hunter also recommended that the Administration prepare a plan - that can be implemented if necessary - to close the U.S.-Mexico border as efforts to contain the swine flu progress.

"The swine flu presents a serious threat to the American public and we must act aggressively to ensure it's contained," said Congressman Hunter. "If the State Department is restricting all ‘non-essential' U.S. travel to Mexico as a precaution, similar steps should also be taken to restrict cross-border traffic entering the U.S. from Mexico.

"So far, the swine flu is responsible for 149 deaths in Mexico and the rate of infection continues to rise. Given the San Diego community's close proximity to the border and the fact that nearly 340,000 people enter the U.S. through southern California's ports of entry every day - the necessary precautions must be taken to ensure this virus does not spread any more than it might already have.

"As we work with Mexico and other international partners to address this situation, I encourage all San Diegans to review the Centers for Disease Control's guidelines for 'what you can do to stay healthy.'" These instructions are available at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

Note: Over the weekend, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico announced that it would suspend all visa and nonemergency services for all U.S. citizens this week due to current conditions.

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