H1N1 Virus Update

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.

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 September 29 the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy has received information that, as of late September 2009, Taliban members in Logar Province, Afghanistan, were planning on an unspecified date to ambush and capture unidentified Americans who routinely travel between Kabul City and Logar Province. The Taliban reportedly intend to follow the Americans' vehicle from Kabul and stop the car en route. The U.S. Embassy urges Americans who travel between Kabul City and Logar Province to exercise additional caution if traveling in the specified area."

Guinea - On October 1 the U.S. Department of State released a Travel Warning for Guinea, which reads in part as follows: "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Guinea due to continuing civil unrest and the unpredictable nature of the current security situation. U.S. citizens are advised that the Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members of the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea.

"The U.S. Embassy in Guinea will be open for emergency American Citizens Services only. Citizens should be aware that depending on the security situation, the Embassy may be forced to suspend operations without advance notice. The international airport in Conakry is currently operating normally, however, flights may be suspended if the current security situation worsens. Land borders are also open at this time, but may close without warning. U.S. citizens who remain in Guinea despite this Travel Warning are urged to stay in their homes until the security situation returns to normal, to closely monitor media reports, and to follow all official instructions.

U.S. citizens who must leave their homes for any reason are urged to exercise extreme caution, be particularly alert to their surroundings, and to avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gathering. Visitors to Guinea should be familiar with their hotel evacuation plans, policies, or procedures. "U.S. citizens in Guinea should carry their travel documents (i.e., passport, birth certificate, picture ID's, etc.) with them at all times. Additionally, U.S. citizens in the area are reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them apprised of their current welfare and whereabouts."

Indonesia - On October 1, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following Warden Message: "On Wednesday, September 30, at 5:15 pm there was a major earthquake in Western Sumatra, Indonesia. The worst hit major population center was Padang, a coastal town, about 850 miles northwest of Jakarta. Aftershocks have continued. There is serious damage in the Padang area, and most roads and telephone lines are cut. Airports are open but travel to Padang is not recommended by other than essential emergency service providers due to the complete lack of infrastructure. Other areas of Indonesia, including Jakarta and Bali are unaffected. U.S. Embassy Jakarta and U.S. Consulate Medan staff are attempting to communicate with Indonesian authorities and affected Americans in the Padang area, and visit as soon as possible. We urge Americans in Indonesia to inform interested parties directly of their well being to allow our staff to concentrate on assisting those Americans most directly affected and out of contact."

Jamaica - On September 24 the U.S. Embassy in Kingston released the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens in Jamaica to recent incidents of gunfire in the Mountain View area of Kingston. The Embassy also reminds U.S. citizens of the crime information provided in the State Department's Country Specific Information for Jamaica. "Over the past few weekends, there have been reports of gunshots in and around Mountain View road. Mountain View road is a route frequently used by some to the Norman Manley International Airport. When travelling to the airport, the U.S. Embassy instructs its employees and family members to avoid Mountain View Road. The Embassy urges American citizens to use South Camp Road instead when traveling to the airport. U. S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and suggest every precaution to ensure your safety and the safety of family members, especially if caught in or near gunfire.

Libya - On September 29 the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli issued a warden message warning U.S. citizens of a recent increase in crime in Tripoli, including violent crimes such as car-jacking and assault, as well as numerous purse snatchings. In recent weeks, criminals have reportedly driven past pedestrians and snatched purses without stopping the vehicle. This crime carries a high risk of physical injury to the victim and some have been dragged several feet behind vehicles. Therefore, U.S. Embassy security officials advise increased vigilance and recommend that anyone carrying a purse, briefcase or other bag that is obvious to passers-by take extra precautions. Carrying a purse-strap over the head and shoulder is the most secure method for deterring purse-snatchers on foot, but can be dangerous when faced with purse-snatchers in vehicles. Embassy security officials advise carrying the purse on the shoulder only, or at least on the side of the body furthest from traffic. Overall, American citizens should remain vigilant as they go about their daily activities.

Serbia - On September 25 the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy wishes to alert American Citizens to a recent spate of crimes affecting the expatriate community in Belgrade. The Regional Security Office (RSO) states that trends involving physical assaults and gun violence remain a threat to foreigners. The RSO wishes to highlight the some recent criminal events: "On September 16, 2009, a British citizen was shot outside of the Freestyler boat (Splav) nightclub. The victim was with a group of other expats. It appears he was caught in the crossfire of two rival narcotics gangs near the restaurant.

"On September 17, two French Citizens were violently attacked by a large group of fans of Belgrade's Partizan soccer team. The attack took place at the Irish Gardens, a popular expat restaurant. The attack took place just prior to the Partizan-Toulouse soccer game. According to the RSO, this incident highlights a rise in soccer hooligan related violence. The RSO recommends avoiding areas where soccer hooligans congregate. The police have arrested 11 of the attackers. "On September 20, 2009, an Australian citizen was attacked by two youths in a public restroom in Kalemegdan fortress. Witnesses stated that they noticed a group of youths following him after he purchased items in a souvenir shop. There were no provocations or words before the attack. It appears that the individual was attacked because he was speaking English. The police have arrested the individuals responsible for the attack.

"Police have reported that over the previous 10 days, three citizens were wounded and one killed during gun fights between local narcotics gangs. "While Belgrade remains a generally safe city, visitors are urged to be aware of their surroundings and to keep a low profile."

Zambia - On September 25 the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message reminds U.S. citizens of the prevalence of rabies in Zambia. "The incidence of rabies is rising worldwide. It has always been endemic in Zambia. "Rabies can pass quietly and unnoticed from an infected animal to a human through a scratch or any other contact with the saliva of an infected animal. This is especially dangerous for small children from whom it may be difficult to obtain an accurate history of contact with an infected animal. "The incubation period (the time from exposure to the virus to the appearance of symptoms) can be as long as several months. "Once symptoms are present in the victim, the disease is almost 100% fatal.

"Rabies is a severe fatal disease that is preventable through vaccination of both animals and human beings."Those staying in Zambia for more than a month should consult with a health care professional about getting the rabies vaccine. The vaccine is available in Zambia through local health providers. Pet owners should ensure their pets have received the vaccine. The people at highest risk are: "Children, especially young ones. "Those who participate in outside sports such as running, biking and walking, where there is a higher incidence of meeting stray dogs, bats, rodents etc.

"The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can provide additional information on rabies. "Any questions or concerns about rabies, 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 Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and doctors in Zambia. "Americans living or traveling in Zambia are encouraged to register with the Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Zambia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency."