INFLUENZA A (H1N1)

For the latest information on the Swine (H1N1) flu, including countries affected, go to the World Health Organization (WHO) website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/ ; Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or the Business Travel Coalition (BTC) website: http://www.netvibes.com/btc#Flu .

Cameroon - On August 14 the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens resident in Cameroon to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1. The Cameroonian Ministry of Public Health has reported that four cases of 2009-H1N1 have been confirmed in Cameroon. The four are currently under treatment, and the outcome of the treatment looks positive. "Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, the American Citizen Services section of the Embassy can provide a list of hospitals and doctors."

Vietnam - On August 19 the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza. As of August 17, 2009, the WHO and Vietnam Ministry of Health have confirmed over 1,000 cases of this influenza in Vietnam. "The Embassy and Consulate General wish to remind American citizens of the information below. Please note that as a virus spreads, government policies on screening, testing, isolation and quarantine are subject to change. "As of August 17, 2009, Vietnamese authorities are screening all passengers arriving on inbound international flights for signs and symptoms of 2009-H1N1 influenza virus infection. Passengers are required to fill out declarations describing current symptoms and possible exposure history, and are screened for fever. Passengers with a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or who exhibit flu symptoms will be referred to medical facilities for further diagnosis. A positive laboratory test result for infection is not required for hospital isolation; Vietnamese health authorities can and do isolate individuals based on a medical opinion that they may carry the virus causing the disease. Passengers with confirmed laboratory diagnosis of 2009-H1N1 influenza will be isolated and treated at the facilities listed below:

Ho Chi Minh City:
   Tropical Disease Hospital, 190 Ham Tu, Ward 1, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel: 84-8-38380302
   Pham Ngoc Tuberculosis Hospital, 120 Hung Vuong, Ward 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel: 84-8-39574127
   Pediatric Hospital 1, 341 Su Van Hanh, Ward 10, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel: 84-8-39274034
   Pediatric Hospital 2, 14 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Tel: 84-8-38295723

Hanoi:
   National Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 78 Giai Phong Road, Hanoi, Tel: 84-4-35764402
   Bac Thang Long Hospital, Block 3A, Dong Anh Town, Hanoi, Tel: 84-4-38833139
   Duc Giang Hospital, Truong Lam street, Duc Giang Town, Long Bien District, Hanoi, Tel: 84-4-38774001
   Dong Da Hospital, 192 Nguyen Luong Bang street, Hanoi, Tel: 84-4-35112505

"Being placed in isolation in a hospital does not mean that medical care, food or other necessary services will be provided free of charge. Patients are expected to make their own arrangements for clothing, food and other necessities and may be responsible for medical bills. If you are ordered into isolation in hospital for treatment of infection, please immediately contact the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City using the contact information at the end of this message. American citizens should be aware that the Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City cannot demand the release of American citizens from isolation if they have been detained by health authorities in accordance with public health and legal regulations.

State Dept. Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see http://http://travel.state.gov/travel

Afghanistan - On August 15 the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued the following Warden Message: "At approximately 8:35 this morning, a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) detonated near the ISAF headquarters vehicle entrance not far from the U.S. Embassy. Reports indicate as many as seven people were killed and 91 injured. This attack illustrates the significant threat that American citizens face throughout Afghanistan. "American citizens are advised to be alert to the continued possibility of terrorist attacks. There is a continuing threat from terrorism throughout Afghanistan and the upcoming elections provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include polling stations, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and locales where people gather in large numbers, including during the elections. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in Afghanistan. Americans are reminded that explosions, shootings, demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Current intelligence reports suggest that the Taliban, al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings."

Central African Republic - On August 19 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning for the Central African Republic: "The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) and recommends against all but essential travel outside the capital, Bangui. Travelers in the CAR should exercise extreme caution. This replaces the Travel Warning of April 1, 2009, to make note of the recent incursion of the Lord's Resistance Army in southeastern CAR between Zemio and the border with Sudan. Armed rebel groups, bandits, and poachers present real dangers, and the Central African government is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in most parts of the country. Northwestern and northeastern CAR, especially the areas bordering Chad, is particularly dangerous due to clashes between government and rebel forces. There have been repeated attacks on Central African and expatriate travelers throughout CAR, including in and around the Parc National de Bamingui-Bangoran. The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens against travel outside of the capital Bangui.

Tanzania - On August 14 the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Department of State alerts American citizens to the possibility of election-related violence as Zanzibar begins to register voters for the upcoming general elections expected October 2010. The Department recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to the northern island of Pemba of Zanzibar. This warden message and travel alert expires on December 14, 2009. "Past elections in Zanzibar have featured violence during the campaign season, the election and especially in the days and weeks following announcement of the results. Since registration of voters began on the island of Pemba, July 6, 2009, there have been reports of civil unrest. Government security forces have been augmented in northern Pemba Island, particularly in the districts of Wete and Micheweni.

Voter registration on Pemba is expected to conclude December 14, 2009. Voter registration on the larger island of Unguja (also referred to as Zanzibar) is expected to begin in September and may carry with it similar political tensions. American citizens resident or traveling in Zanzibar during this period are reminded to maintain a high level of security vigilance at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds of any kind. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible, and via the internet."