U.S. lifts warning on visiting Mexico

U.S. authorities no longer are advising Americans to avoid traveling to Mexico because of swine flu.

The U.S. State Department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted their warnings against nonessential trips to Mexico on Friday.

"There is evidence that the Mexican outbreak is slowing down in many cities ... In addition, the United States and other countries are now seeing increasing numbers of cases not associated with travel to Mexico," the CDC said on its Web site.

The CDC added that the risk of severe disease from the H1N1 virus appears to be less than originally thought.

However, the CDC suggested that U.S. travelers at high risk of flu complications contact their doctors before planning a trip to Mexico.

Among those most at risk are:

• Children younger than 5 and adults 65 or older.

• Pregnant women.

• Adults and children who have pulmonary, cardiovascular or other chronic disorders or those with suppressed immune systems.

Travelers also should be aware that some countries — not the United States — may screen or quarantine passengers arriving from Mexico. The CDC Web site has information, or check the Web site of the foreign country's embassy in the United States.