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.

Mongolia - On October 16 the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar issued the following Warden Message on 16 October 2009: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. As of 9 am on Oct 16, 2009, the Ministry of Health in Mongolia has reported 14 confirmed cases of novel H1N1 in Mongolia.

As of noon on Friday, October 16, 2009, the Government of Mongolia has not announced any new restrictions on public travel, wide-spread closures of government or public facilities, or new quarantine procedures. The government has quarantined a handful of individuals with direct exposure to H1N1 cases and has closed one school and one museum temporarily. However, the Government of Mongolia is encouraging individuals and organizations to take appropriate preventative measures such frequent hand washing and disinfection of public spaces. Please check the Ministry of Health's English language website www.flu.mn for the latest information about the Government of Mongolia's response.

"Please be advised that many countries, including Mongolia, China, Korea, Japan, and Russia, are screening travelers for H1N1. The Embassy urges all travelers to visit http://travel.state.gov for the latest information on screening procedures for any country they will visit or transit. Travelers exhibiting flu-like symptoms may be quarantined. "If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Embassy at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Embassy cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.

"Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Embassy is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. A list of local hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html."

Tunisia - On October 20 the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia, released a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The Tunisian Ministry of Health has reported some 80 known cases in the country, with most reported to have been carried into the country by travelers rather than contracted from within Tunisia.

"Tunisian authorities have taken aggressive measures to contain H1N1: the government has implemented airport screening, procured antivirals and vaccines, put in place an extensive monitoring and surveillance program, and raised public awareness. On October 5, 2009, the Minister of Religious Affairs issued a statement officially discouraging Tunisians from participating in the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, based on H1N1 concerns.

"If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Embassy at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Embassy cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities. "Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Embassy is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice."

Morocco - On October 15 the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The Ministry of Health has reported 168 confirmed cases since its outbreak. Of these cases, 160 have already left medical facilities after receiving medical treatment. Moroccan authorities have equipped most ports and airports with thermal cameras, and have designated a medical unit for diagnosis. The Ministry of Health has also posted information at its website and distributed a brochure containing basic information and precautions against H1N1.

"If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009- H1N1 influenza, please contact the Consulate General...and let us know, so we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Consulate General cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.

"Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Consulate General is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic- related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. A list of local hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at: http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov. …"

Rwanda - On October 20 the U.S. Embassy in Kigali issued the following Warden Message: "A Town Hall meeting for U.S. citizens residing in Rwanda will be held on Thursday, October 22nd at 3:00 pm in the Embassy's Multi-Purpose Room. The meeting will be led by the Embassy's Pandemic Influenza Action Committee and will focus on the U.S. government's policy and response to H1N1 influenza as well as individual preparedness.

"2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu, has been confirmed in Rwanda. The Rwandan Ministry of Health confirmed 14 cases on October 12, 2009 after initially confirming the first 4 cases in Rwanda on October 9, 2009. There are presently 38 laboratory cases confirmed. Rwandan authorities have activated their response group, are closely monitoring the situation, and are preparing for emergencies. ..."

Turkey - On October 16 the U.S. Embassy in Ankara issued the following Warden Message on: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens in Turkey to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. As of October 13, the Turkish Health Ministry has reported 480 cases of H1N1 since the outbreak began this spring. Turkish authorities continue thermal screening at the airports for passengers arriving on international flights. Any passengers with an elevated temperature may be referred for testing and treatment. There is no mandatory quarantine, but patients may be required to pay for treatment.

"In addition, the Embassy is aware of one school in Ankara that has closed for a week due to a small number of confirmed cases of H1N1 among its students. ..."

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

Central African Republic - On October 21 the U.S. Embassy in Bangui issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Bangui urges U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution in northern Central African Republic (CAR) and to postpone any travel to Kaga Bandoro and Sido. Recent rebel activity and threats against the towns make it advisable to avoid the region at this time. "U.S. citizens are further reminded to be alert at all times when traveling in Bangui, and anywhere in the Central African Republic. The State Department's Travel Warning for CAR recommends that American citizens avoid all non-essential travel outside of Bangui. Avoid crowds and areas of civil unrest. ..."

Guinea - On October 17 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning that reads in part as follows: "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Guinea as the political situation there remains highly volatile, and urges all Americans still in Guinea to depart the country. Although Guinea has been relatively calm since October 5, 2009, the potential for violence remains high. U.S. citizens are advised that the Embassy further reduced the number of remaining personnel, after non-emergency U.S. staff and all dependents of U.S. employees left Guinea.

"The U.S. Embassy in Guinea remains closed until further notice. The Embassy's consular section will, however, continue to provide emergency services for U.S. citizens. Nevertheless, citizens should be aware that the Embassy may be forced to suspend operations entirely, including emergency services, without advance notice due to an ongoing security situation. The international airport in Conakry is operating normally at this time, but flights may be suspended if the current security situation worsens. Land borders are also open, 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, to 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. All U.S. citizens traveling to or remaining in Guinea despite this Travel Warning are urged to register with the Department of State through the State Department's travel registration website..."

Honduras - On October 21 the Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. This Travel Alert expires on December 20, 2009. On June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya in a coup d'etat and sent him out of the country. There are police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of frequent demonstrations.

The Department of State recommends that American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras exercise extreme caution when traveling within the country. While the de facto government of Honduras is no longer imposing daily curfews, the Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens monitor local TV and radio each evening for current curfew information and abide by these restrictions, should they be imposed. The U.S. Embassy has imposed limitations on the travel of its staff within Honduras and these restrictions are reviewed and or revised on a day-to-day basis. There have been regular demonstrations at various locations around Tegucigalpa including the Presidential palace, Toncontin International Airport, the National Congress, the Organization of American States the United Nations and the Clarion hotel, the site of negotiations.

There have also been regular demonstrations in San Pedro Sula and two small demonstrations in Roatan on the Bay Islands. Demonstrators have also blocked roads intermittently throughout the country. Demonstrations both against and in favor of the new regime are expected to continue in the coming days throughout the country. Demonstrations to date have been generally non-violent with few reports of injuries. However, Americans are reminded that peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no warning. Demonstrations are expected to increase in frequency as the November 29, 2009 elections approach. Honduras' borders remain open, and the airports remain open for regularly scheduled flights. Continental Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines continue to operate flights as usual, though this is subject to change.

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid large gatherings and not try to pass roadblocks if they encounter them. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible, and via the internet. As of August 26, 2009, non-emergency, non-immigrant visa services were suspended pending a full review of visa policies in Honduras. Barring changes in the security situation, the Consular Section will be open for normal business for immigrant visa services and American Citizens Services both at the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa and the American Citizen Services unit at the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula.

Niger - On October 20 the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "Unidentified extremists associated with al-Qa'ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) may intend to kidnap foreigners in Niger. The Embassy once again strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Tillaberi region (north of Niamey), and to exercise caution and remain vigilant, especially when traveling outside of urban areas. Please note that the Embassy continues to restrict the travel of U.S. Government employees and official visitors to areas north of Niamey."

Phillipines - On October 19 the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines issued the following Warden Message: "Be advised that a tropical depression east of the Republic of the Philippines may develop into a typhoon. The projected landfall of this storm system is Northern Luzon. You can check for weather updates at the following websites: http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil, www.typhoon2000.ph, or www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

Tanzania - On October 15 the U.S. Department of State alerts American citizens to the possibility of election-related unrest as Zanzibar registers voters for the upcoming general elections expected October 2010. American citizens who choose to travel to Zanzibar during this period are advised to maintain a high level of security vigilance and avoid political rallies, centers where voter registrations are taking place, and related public gatherings. This replaces the Travel Alert of August 28, 2009, to reflect continued voter registration throughout the Archipelago of Zanzibar, which includes both islands of Pemba and Unguja. This Travel Alert expires on February 15, 2010.