Health

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Airports are one of the greatest points of concern for the threat of swine flu, and travelers at O'Hare International Airport are worried about contracting or spreading the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control is recommending Americans avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. And authorities are now asking travelers about their health if they're entering the country from somewhere with confirmed cases. Passengers won't be barred from getting into the country, but they could be sent for testing.

"People who have recently traveled to impacted areas and have flu symptoms need to see a doctor and be tested so we can determine if swine flu is present in Illinois sooner rather than later," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon Arnold said. "Aside from seeking medical attention, these people should stay home if sick."

He suggested travelers returning from Mexico pay close attention to their health for around a week, and he recommended they see a doctor if they develop a fever, cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing.

Most of the passengers who arrived at O'Hare on Mexicana's flight from Mexico City Monday afternoon were either wearing a mask or had one around their necks. The airline and hotels there had passed them out.

Carol Clark of Barrington had been in Mexico City for a wedding. She said the swine flu scare had brought the city to a halt.

"All the restaurants were closed last night. We had to order in, the only thing we could do. Streets were dead in Mexico City," Barrington said.

Now Clark and her husband will watch carefully for any flu-like symptoms.

Few passengers CBS 2's Jim Williams spoke to expressed fear. But Lorenza Hernandez, who made her first trip to her native Mexico in 20 years, was clearly worried.

"I'm so nervous. I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about it, you know," she said.

Those visiting Mexico City for a short time say they're not too concerned, but those who live in Mexico City say they're going to be cautious.

Jose Perea came to Chicago from Mexico City Thursday. He says he received constant calls from friends telling him about the swine flu outbreak. They described those in public wearing surgical masks, which are now in short supply. Schools are also closed.

"I am afraid because, one symptom of that and this is too dangerous," Perea said.

Ana Rico and Carlos Martinez also call Mexico City home.

"Well, yeah, I'm concerned," Rico said.

"Probably what we should do is just stay home. If we feel a very small symptom, just go to a hospital," Martinez said.

Chicagoan Ludy Hernandez is traveling to a family event elsewhere in Mexico. But she says she wouldn't go to Mexico at all if she didn't have to for the get-together.

The CDC is passing out yellow cards to travelers who are returning from areas where there have been confirmed cases of swine flu. The cards will have the swine flu symptoms to watch for such as a fever over 100 degrees, coughing, respiratory problems, diarrhea or upset stomach. People showing these signs seven to ten days after traveling are advised to see a doctor.

Because of the outbreak, United Airlines has been giving Mexico City passengers a break. The carrier is waiving penalties for customers who want to reschedule their trips. Rescheduling usually costs a minimum of $150.

Still on Monday, Mexico-bound travelers at O'Hare said they were worried about the swine flu outbreak at their destination, even if they aren't visiting Mexico City.

CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports that those concerns have kept agents at The Travel Gallery in Chicago busy.

"My agents spent the day working on people concerned about the swine flu," said owner Kathy Green-Seiwert.

But Green-Seiwert says right now, travelers have options.

"For the people going soon, there are options," Green-Seiwert said. "Rescheduling, going somewhere else, canceling and full refunds; whereas if you're going after May 6th, you have to take a wait-and-see for a few days."

The CDC wants people to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. But consulate officials here believe the worst there is over.

"Yes, they believe that they have it under control, in the sense that they don't believe it's going to keep on growing, if people help also to that purpose," said Ioana Navarrete Pellicer of the Mexican Consulate.

O'Hare international airport is only one of 20 airports nationwide that has a CDC office inside the international terminal with a quarantine room. Aviation officials say that so far, no one they know of has been detained.

On Amtrak, officials for the passenger rail system in Illinois said they're working with crew and other employees on identifying and reacting to passengers with possible symptoms of swine flu.

The Washington-based passenger rail has routes that run close to the U.S.-Mexico border. One of them is the Sunset Limited with service between Los Angeles and New Orleans.

That route includes a stop in San Antonio, a starting and stopping point of Amtrak's Texas Eagle service extending to Chicago. That run goes through Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois, averaging about 700 riders a day during the past fiscal year.

Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black says the rail service is taking the issue seriously. He says there's no reason to panic and that Amtrak has procedures in place to manage the situation.

CBS 2's Dana Kozlov, Jim Williams and Suzanne Le Mignot and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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