Modern Mexico
The Mexican government moved decisively last week in response to world wide concerns over spreading of the deadly H1N1 virus. Warnings went out, health professionals were invited in and public events were severely curtailed. Thanks in part to these extraordinary measures; life in Mexico may soon return to normal. Mexico has now earned a reputation as a nation which reacts swiftly and strongly to public health threats.
Apparently a number of countries learned lessons from the lethal SARS epidemic six years ago. Only a few people will seek to blame the Mexican government for the initial H1N1 virus outbreak, but nearly everyone expected a meaningful response once the severity of the threat became known. Mexicans deserve credit for their willingness to tolerate short term economic pain in order to assure the world that Mexico is a safe place.
If H1N1 turns out to be less dangerous than once feared, public health officials across the continent should be commended for their vigilance in containing the virus. Without quick action, the virus could have easily infected many more people than it has so far.
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