According to the WHO, at least nine countries across the globe have confirmed cases of swine flu infections in humans while another 20 countries have suspected cases. This includes South Africa, which by last Wednesday reported two unconfirmed cases of two women who had recently travelled to Mexico - the epicentre of the outbreak.

Speaking to SABC radio after her return from a meeting of SADC health ministers last Thursday, Ms. Hogan said southern African countries have put a response plan in place to deal with a possible swine flu outbreak. She said South Africa already had national and provincial response teams in place to deal with any potential outbreaks.

Although the health department is on "high alert", Ms. Hogan said there is currently no cause for panic: "We don't have a case yet in South Africa where people are being infected by pigs....I'm saying to people, be sensible, but if you are worried, contact a health official."

Nevertheless, she effectively advised South Africans against non-essential travel by saying: "Don't travel if you don't have to."

This is contradictory to the WHO's advice, which states that it is not necessary to close borders or restrict international travel, although several countries have issued advisories warning against all but essential travel to Mexico where over 150 people have so far died after becoming infected with the virus.

According to WHO, swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease transmitted by a virus carried by pigs and which can cross the species barrier to infect humans. There is no vaccine, but medication to treat it is available.

Travel industry takes a knock

Fears that a pandemic could devastate global travel and tourism industry

Swine flu is already being labeled as the worst health crisis to threaten the global travel industry since the SARS outbreak in 2002/2003.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged the industry not to panic, but at the same time it warned that a pandemic could potentially be "severe and prolonged".

WTTC President and Chief Executive, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, reiterated that the WHO has not advised against international travel. Nevertheless, he expressed concern that the outbreak could have a major impact on the worldwide travel and tourism industry, which is already battling a decline due to the global economic slowdown.

"The swine flu outbreak is compounding the ailments of the global economy just as there are signs it might be starting to stabilise, darkening the outlook for everything from tourism to world trade," he said.

Cruise lines divert ships

Meanwhile, several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, are diverting itineraries away from Mexican ports. All Royal Caribbean ships affected by the schedule changes will either call at alternative ports or spend extra time at sea.

Several airlines across the world are also on high alert. According to reports, SAA has briefed its cabin crew on the origins and symptoms of the virus and on how to identify suspected cases amongst passengers on international flights. Although SAA does not fly direct to Mexico, the national carrier does service cities in North and South America.

Singapore Airlines has also stepped up vigilance and adopted various safety measures, including distributing information pamphlets to passengers and ensuring health kits are on board all flights to the US, where several confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported. The airline's cabin crew is also undergoing mandatory health checks prior to boarding any flight.

In addition, Singapore Airlines has announced that it will waive penalties for cancellation and itinerary changes on a worldwide basis as a "gesture of goodwill". Passengers with tickets issued before April 28 for travel up to May 27, who are concerned about travelling due to the swine flu outbreak, can change the routing of their journey, defer the date of travel until October 31 or cancel without incurring a penalty.

Published courtesy of Travel Industry Review.