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Interexchange Au Pair USA Monitors Mexico Swine Flu Outbreak

Agency Pledges to Keep Host Families/Au Pairs Safe and Informed

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 1, 2009 -- Interexchange Au Pair USA today announced that it is closely monitoring the swine flu outbreak and its potential implications to participating host families and au pairs. According to the World Health Organization, a majority of confirmed cases have been reported in Mexico, with other cases confirmed in the United States, Canada, Spain, Scotland, Israel, and New Zealand.

Au Pair USA, a leading au pair agency, matches international childcare providers with families in the U.S. The program is currently working with several au pair candidates from Mexico and the other affected countries. Au Pair USA has suspended the matching process for candidates from Mexico, and the agency will continue to proceed with the utmost caution and follow all directives by the U.S. government, the World Health Organization, and other public health agencies.

"President Obama yesterday called the outbreak a cause for 'concern' but not a cause for 'alarm,' and Au Pair USA is treating it as such," said Michael McHugh, program director for Au Pair USA. "Our most important priority is the safety of our host families, their children, and our au pairs, and we will take all necessary measures to protect their health and safety. We provide all of our au pairs with an excellent insurance policy that allows them to see any doctor in the U.S. if they feel ill and our staff and Local Coordinators are ready to assist in any way possible."

Au Pair USA pledged to monitor the situation carefully and communicate directly with host families and au pairs as information about the outbreak becomes available. Concerned host families and au pairs are welcome to contact Au Pair USA's toll-free line: 1-800-Au-Pairs (1-800-287-2477).

Au Pair USA is a program of InterExchange (http://www.interexchange.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through a wide range of work and travel, language, volunteer, professional training, internship, and au pair programs within the United States and around the world.

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