Travel Update-Weekly Edition

April 3rd, 2008

Airline News

Angola - On April 2 the U.S. Embassy in Luanda issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "This warden message is being released to provide information to Americans on the use of TAAG airlines by U.S. Government personnel. The U.S. Embassy in Luanda has prohibited its employees from using TAAG, Angola's national airline, for domestic or international flights due to concerns regarding safety and maintenance."

 

Brazil - On March 27 the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "This Warden Message is to alert American Citizens living or traveling in Brazil to the increase of Dengue Fever cases in the State of Rio de Janeiro. "According to the State Secretariat of Health in Rio de Janeiro there have been 28,233 reported cases of Dengue Fever in 2008 which have resulted in 54 confirmed deaths and an additional 60 are suspected. These numbers would rival the last significant outbreak in 2002 when 288,245 cases of Dengue were reported which resulted in 91 deaths. "Dengue Fever is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by a mosquito (AEDES AEGYPTI). This mosquito is dark, with white stripes on its back and legs, and smaller than a common mosquito. These mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. The mosquito is considered a 'day' mosquito. It bites during the day and likes warm, humid places. "Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever: After the infecting bite, dengue symptoms develop within 3 to 14 days (on average, 4 to 7 days). Victims typically experience a sudden high fever, headache, generalized weakness, and intense muscle, joint, and low back pain (hence the term, 'break bone fever'). A subtle rash appears in up to half the people affected, although some have a bright red rash with scattered clear spots. Treatment is purely symptomatic. Dengue is usually self-limited, with an average duration of 6 days. Most persons with dengue do not need to be hospitalized, but those with persistent fever should seek medical attention as soon as possible. "Hemorrhagic Dengue Fever (DHF): and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) are rare but severe forms of dengue that may occur in people who previously have been infected with one strain of dengue virus and are later infected by a different strain (there are 4 strains). DHF and DSS begin like classic dengue but progress to abdominal pain and vomiting. The most severe cases, if left untreated, can progress to bleeding at sites of minimal trauma, circulatory failure, shock, and death. DHF and DSS ordinarily affect only people who live in endemic areas, but there have been rare cases reported in travelers. Because of this, travelers who previously have had an episode of dengue fever and who will be re-entering a dengue-endemic area should be aware of the increased possibility of acquiring these severe forms of dengue and should seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear. Travelers with persistent fever should be seen by a healthcare professional. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, an abrupt change from fever to hypothermia with profuse sweating, extreme exhaustion, lethargy, or mental status changes signal the development of shock and require immediate intensive care level medical attention. "How can you prevent the disease? There is no vaccine for Dengue. Prevention is based upon taking careful measures to reduce the possibility of mosquito bites. Travelers are strongly encouraged to wear light clothing which completely covers arms and legs, and to apply an effective insect repellant, such as those containing DEET, to exposed areas of skin. The control of Dengue epidemics is based upon reduction of the mosquito population. Dengue may be more likely to occur in urban setting due to drainage issues. Eliminating standing water in your home and environment including flower pots, tires, puddles, non-chlorinated pools, etc., and screening windows, and wearing insect repellent are strongly recommended."

 

Cameroon - On April 2 the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "Further stabilization of the security situation in Cameroon has led the Department of State to remove the travel warning for American citizens contemplating a visit to Cameroon and to return the Embassy to a normal security posture. "While the Embassy does not anticipate a resurgence of civil unrest in the coming weeks, the political climate remains tense. Moreover, Cameroon faces serious social and economic challenges which could engender further unrest in the future if not seriously addressed. While returning to normal activities, American citizens in Cameroon are encouraged to be cognizant of political and other developments by monitoring the local media. The security situation can deteriorate rapidly and suddenly, as long term residents have witnessed recently. Citizens should be familiar with the emergency plans of their employer/organization and be in touch with their warden. "While the security situation has improved, crime remains a serious and dangerous problem in Cameroon. Americans should be aware that violent crime is a significant threat, particularly in larger cities. Recently, two European nationals were kidnapped and held for ransom after falling victim to criminals who posed as businessmen developing a palm oil plantation. The two were later released unharmed."

 

Chad - On April 1 the U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "On 1 April 2008, the Prime Minister summoned the diplomatic corps to issue a statement demanding that the Sudanese stop its aggression into Chad. The government of Chad was particularly concerned about reports of an attack in Ade, 68 kilometers from the Chad/Sudan border. All Americans in Chad should be prepared to implement their personal evacuation plans on short notice and are reminded that the U.S. Embassy can not guarantee the same options and level of evacuation assistance that existed in February should the situation again deteriorate."

 

Chile - On March 27 the U.S. Embassy in Santiago issued the following Warden Message: "The United States Embassy advises American citizens living in or visiting Santiago of the likelihood of disturbances in Santiago and major cities, including Concepcion, Temuco, Antofagasta, and Iquique, in connection with the anniversary of the Day of the Combatant on Saturday, 29 March. Incidents are most likely to start at midday on Friday, 28 March, and increase at nighttime in the outskirts of Santiago in areas such as the Villa Francia, Poblacion La Bandera, Poblacion La Legua and Poblacion La Pincoya. (This last area includes the major route Americo Vespucio, which we recommend avoiding.) In the past, this day has often been accompanied by incidents of violence between police and protestors. Additionally, the issues relating to the implementation of the new Transantiago bus system, which has been the cause of previous demonstrations, may escalate the level of demonstrations and the number of persons attending them in the metropolitan area. "American citizens should monitor the media for the latest information on the location of demonstrations, be alert to their surroundings, avoid any large gatherings or events where crowds may gather to demonstrate or protest, and take common-sense precautions to ensure their well-being."

 

Iraq - On March 27 the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued the following Warden Message: "This is to notify all U.S. citizens in Iraq that the U.S. Embassy has announced that, until further notice, all personnel under the authority of the Chief of Mission are required to wear body armor, helmet and protective eyewear any time they are outside of building structures in the International Zone. In addition, Chief of Mission personnel in the International Zone have been advised to remain inside of hardened structures at all times, except for mission essential movements. "The Department of State continues to strongly warn U.S. citizens against travel to Iraq, which remains very dangerous."

 

Macedonia - The U.S. Embassy in Skopje issued the following Warden Message on March 31: "As Macedonia is undergoing a period of political transition and uncertainty, there is a possibility of protests and demonstrations in the coming days. The U.S. Embassy reiterates its longstanding guidance to American Citizens to avoid large crowds or demonstrations. American citizens are again urged to maintain security awareness.  "We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. "In the event further information is obtained regarding this or any other security or safety situation, U.S. Embassy Skopje will provide updates via this same channel and on the Embassy’s website."

 

Poland - On March 28 the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw issued the following Warden Message: "Crime in Poland is on the decline and the police are more prevalent and responsive than ever before. However, crime does still happen, and Americans should take steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their family members. "Within the last two weeks two separate incidents have occurred where juvenile American citizens have been accosted by young Polish men in Warsaw. These incidents happened over separate weekends, in the vicinity of the Wilanow Bus Stop, at approximately the same time of the evening. Luckily, during both incidents no one was seriously hurt. The local police are aware of the crimes and have promised to take appropriate measures to address this situation. "The Embassy has the following recommendations to consider given the similarities of the two incidents; we urge you to review these with your family members:
--Avoid known criminal hang-outs such as large parking lots near closed businesses (local police inform us that crimes of this nature increase substantially after 2200), bars, quick-marts, etc.
--Limit activities in the vicinity of the Wilanow Bus Stop in Warsaw and surrounding area. The police have identified this area as having criminal activity.
--If you must transit an area known for criminal activity, use a mode of transportation which will limit your exposure.
--If you are approached by a group of individuals, depart the area as quickly as possible. Do not engage the individuals in any type of confrontational behavior."

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