IMB resumes travel to Mexico as swine flu fears fade

RICHMOND, Va. — The International Mission Board (IMB) has lifted restrictions on nonemergency travel to and from Mexico by its personnel. The decision, announced May 7, was based on updated information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Though ongoing outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, known as swine flu, continue in the United States and internationally, reports on the severity of the symptoms indicate that the strain is not as dangerous as public health officials originally thought. In late April, the IMB suspended nonemergency travel in response to the CDC’s recommendations that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. All Southern Baptist representatives who previously were restricted from travel may now return to Mexico, the IMB said. U.S. churches with imminent trips to Mexico are encouraged to continue to stay in touch with local contacts and to monitor CDC recommendations.