The state's chief medical officer said Sunday that Alaskans preparing for a trip to Mexico -- apparently ground zero for the outbreak -- should consider whether the trip is necessary.
No swine flu cases have been reported in Alaska and the state already has on hand a significant supply of the drugs used to fight the swine flu, said Jay Butler, the chief medical officer.
Obtaining a larger quantity of Tamiflu and Relenza will bolster the state's readiness if the flu does hit Alaska, he said.
Many Alaskans vacation in Mexico. Like many other major airlines, Alaska Airlines flies to Mexican coastal cities and to Mexico City, a major hot spot for the epidemic where more than 80 people have died and more than 1,000 have fallen ill.
"Currently the recommendation is that people traveling to Mexico should consider whether it's essential or not," Butler said.
While the federal government has not issued any swine flu-related travel restrictions, new advice could be issued with little warning, he said.
"We're very early in this epidemic," he said.
Alaska Airlines said Sunday that it is equipping its workers and flight crews traveling to and from Mexico with gloves and face masks, and airline flight crews are monitoring passengers for flu-like symptoms.
The Seattle-based airline has been monitoring international and national public health agencies for new recommendations about swine flu all weekend, spokeswoman Bobby Egan said Sunday afternoon.
Public health officials say that anyone returning from the southwestern United States or Mexico who becomes ill with flu-like symptoms should contact a physician.
The symptoms of swine flu are the same as the common flu, including fever, coughing, lack of appetite and tiredness.
Find Elizabeth Bluemink online at adn.com/contact/ebluemink or call 257-4317.
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.