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

Bolivia - On October 1 the U.S. Embassy La Paz has issued the following warden message to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia that La Paz continues to be plagued with kidnapping incidents. Most incidents are not reported to police due to fear of retaliation from the victim's kidnappers. We request that all U.S. citizens take the extra time to read and apply the following recommendations. Express Kidnappings occur in La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and other large cities. The areas in La Paz where these crimes most commonly occur include Plaza Humbolt (in the Zona Sur), Plaza Abaroa, Plaza del Estudiante, and Plaza Isabel La Católica (all in the downtown section of the city). These incidents typically occur when the victim boards a taxi in which the driver is an accomplice.

Once the victim is inside, additional persons (the kidnappers) board the vehicle. At this point, the victim is robbed of his belongings and/or driven to an ATM machine where he is forced to provide his PIN numbers for debit and credit card withdrawals. In a few incidents, the victim has been seriously injured or held for several days until a ransom was paid. Recommendations: Always call for a radio taxi. Before entering the taxi, request that the driver call his/her dispatcher to confirm your name. Finally, use good judgment - especially if alcohol has been consumed. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Bolivia are encouraged to register and update their contact information at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz and/or the U.S. consular agencies in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Ecuador - On October 7 the U.S. Embassy in Quito issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Quito wishes to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that crime continues to rise in Ecuador. The Embassy recently received a report of an armed robbery near the corner of La Coruña and Whymper in the Gonzales Suarez neighborhood. On Wednesday, September 29, at approximately noon, an individual departing a local hotel with $44,000 USD en route to a nearby bank was shot and killed when his vehicle was intercepted by armed assailants. "The U.S. Embassy recommends against making large withdrawals from local banks.

If possible, wire transfers should be utilized if making a transaction involving large sums of money. If making substantial withdrawals at local banks, one should not set a pattern when traveling to and from the bank. It is recommended that one take various routes and alter the dates and times for bank visits. Always be attentive entering and leaving local banks to any possible suspicious behavior in the vicinity of the bank. Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not go through with the transaction and immediately depart the area. If possible, utilize banking institutions located in well-traveled areas, such as shopping malls. This may deter some thieves from carrying out a robbery.

"U.S. Embassy reminds American citizens that Quito and Guayaquil are rated CRITICAL for crime by the Department of State. The incidents described above are a clear reminder that the threat of crime is real and the potential for extreme violence is always possible. If you are a victim of a robbery, in most instances, it is safest to be non-confrontational and give up your valuables. Remember: there is nothing of any material value that is worth more than the personal health and well being of you and your family

Indonesia - On October 5 the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following Warden Message: "This warden message is to notify U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Bali that Bali-based newspapers report that several hundred Indonesians in both Tabanan Regency and Denpasar, and surrounding areas, have been given rabies vaccinations after several people were recently bitten by dogs suspected of carrying rabies. The Indonesian Department of Health has confirmed three deaths in Bali due to rabies. So far, there are no reports of foreign victims of rabies on Bali. Newspapers and a hospital in Bali have reported an insufficient supply of rabies vaccines.

Americans should exercise caution, and avoid dogs and other animals that may be infected with rabies. Most foreigners suffering from serious illness or accidents in Indonesia are medically evacuated for treatment, at their own expense. All Americans currently in Indonesia or planning to travel to Indonesia are urged to consult their medical insurance company to determine whether their policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation."

Israel - On October 2 the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem issued the following Warden Message: "The final two of the local autumn holidays, Sukkot and Simhat Torah, will be celebrated this weekend and next. American citizens should avoid the Old City for one week from sundown Friday, October 2, through sundown on Friday, October 9. Vehicle traffic in and around the Old City will be restricted by the Israeli National Police (INP).

"Although it is a good idea to avoid the Old City for the entire week, Monday, October 5, is expected to draw the largest crowds due to the annual pilgrimage by Jewish worshipers who will assemble at the Western Wall for special prayers. "Additionally, political and religious tensions are expected to be high in the areas immediately adjacent to the Al Aqsa Mosque compound throughout this period. A large police presence in the area may provoke spontaneous violence in the form of civil unrest and police actions. "Finally, the crowded environment could result in an uptick in criminal activity to include pickpockets, physical assaults and other crimes. American citizens should avoid crowds and walking or driving around the Old City. Carry a mobile phone and stay cognizant of your surroundings."

Senegal - On October 7 the U.S. Embassy in Dakar released a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to a recent series of violent robbery attempts which have occurred on the Corniche d'Ouest. In each of these incidents, several men (2-4) have perpetrated the attacks using a knife and/or machete, or by threatening the use of these weapons. In each case, the crime took place in the evening, on the section of the Corniche between Suffolk University and the Divinity Mosque. The Embassy's Regional Security Office (RSO) has advised Embassy personnel not to walk on the Corniche after dark."

Timor - On October 2 the U.S. Embassy in Dili issued the following Warden Message: "Timor-Leste will hold local elections on October 9 in 442 Sucos throughout the country. In previous election cycles, violent disturbances have occurred in the periods before, during and after the voting took place. We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even political events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of political events if possible and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations."