Fears over swine flu have caused several people in the capital region to cancel their Mexican vacations.

"It's been very confusing in the last few days," said Jerry Sabin, who planned a two-week Cancun vacation to celebrate the completion of his master's degree from Carleton University.

"Some countries have been saying it's dangerous to go to Mexico and others haven't and now I think we've finally made the decision that we won't be going."

The Public Health Agency of Canada is now advising against all non-essential travel to Mexico, due to the swine flu outbreak that has been linked to the deaths of 152 people in Mexico.

"As of April 27 2009, travellers from Canada are recommended to postpone elective or non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice," stated a travel advisory, which was issued on Monday.

The U.S., France, Britain and Germany have also issued warnings against unnecessary travel to Mexico.

The warning has Sabin and many others cancelling flights and scrambling to make alternative travel arrangements.

"The health risks, we take those very seriously, so we decided not to go," said Sabin.

So far, the swine flu hasn't led to restrictions for those travelling from Mexico.

Therese Taco-Terez just arrived in Ottawa from Mexico City to visit her son Paco. Her husband plans to join her in Ottawa next week.

In the meantime, the family says they plan to keep up to date with what's going on and do everything they can to ensure they don't get sick.

"We have cable. We get Mexico news, and (my mother) says that Mexican people are trying to take precautions so they don't get sick," said Orleans resident Paco Gutierrez.

Ottawa recommends that those who must travel to Mexico should do the following to minimize risk:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap under warm running water.
  • If water isn't available, use an alcohol-based gel hand-sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Avoid contact with people who appear to have respiratory illness.
  • Monitor Canada's and Mexico's public health agency websites.
  • Get vaccinated against seasonal flu.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Kristy Kirkup