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 30 the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar 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 Mongolian Ministry of Health has reported, as of October 30, 2009, 483 confirmed cases in Ulaanbaatar and 108 cases in 13 aimags including Khovd (19), Darkhan-Uul (16), Uvurkhangai (12), Orkhon (12), Dornogovi (11), Tuv (10), Selenge (10), Govisumber (7), Bulgan (4), Khentii (3), Dornod (2), Umnugovi (1), and Khuvsgul (1). The Ministry of Health has also announced several deaths allegedly from H1N1. The World Health Organization continues to report that all documented cases of H1N1 2009 are genetically similar and there are no official reports that the H1N1 flu in Mongolia is any more deadly or virulent than in other parts of the world.

"The Government of Mongolia has announced its plans to extend the school break for one more week. Public and private secondary schools' break will continue through November 5. Similarly, the Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar has issued an order to close down kindergartens until further notice. He also ordered that bars, restaurants, and entertainment places in Ulaanbaatar close each night by 9:00 pm. The latest Government of Mongolia information is available at http://www.flu.mn.

"According the Ministry of Health, the Government of Mongolia is working with the World Health Organization to acquire H1N1 vaccines and develop a distribution mechanism. 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/.

"Please be advised that the Government of Mongolia and neighboring countries have implemented H1N1 influenza screening measures. Travelers can expect screening for flu-like symptoms upon entry and exit from Mongolia and in neighboring countries. If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Embassy at the number below 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. ..."

Republic of Congo - On October 29 the U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) in Brazzaville has reported that there have been five laboratory confirmed cases of H1N1 in Brazzaville as of October 27. The Ministry of Health has implemented their action plan in response to the detection of H1N1 in Brazzaville. The Congolese Action Plan, in line with the guidance from the WHO, does not call for any restrictions on movement in or out of the country.

"The Government of Congo has not announced any plans to quarantine individuals who have contracted H1N1. However, if you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to H1N1 influenza, please contact the U.S. 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 is available upon request in the Consular Section or via email.

"For more information on the steps you can take to help protect yourself and limit the spread of the virus, please see the State Department "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located on www.travel.state.gov. Detailed information about H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/hln1flu/, the U.S. Government's federal influenza website at http://www.flu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. ..."

Senegal - On November 4 the U.S. Embassy in Dakar released a Warden Message that 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 Senegalese Ministry of Health has reported no cases of H1N1 influenza in Senegal to date. Senegalese authorities have not, at this time, imposed screening, quarantine, or vaccination requirements with regards to H1N1 influenza for travelers entering or leaving the territory of Senegal.

"If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to H1N1 influenza, please contact the U. S. Embassy at (221) 33-829-2100 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 under American Citizen Services, then select Emergency Services, or use this link: http://dakar.usembassy.gov/service/living-in-senegal-and-guinea-bissau/medical-care-in-senegal.html. "The Ministry of Health strongly recommends that any traveler with symptoms suggesting influenza should report ASAP to a medical center or call the SUMA (Service d'Urgence Médicale et d'Assistance): S.U.M.A. at Blvd. Cheikh Anta Diop, Off. 33 824-2418/ 33 824-7191.

"The Ministry of Health has identified the following medical centers to receive potential H1N1 patients:

Adults: Hopital Principal de Dakar Ave. Nelson Mandela & Roume Tel. (+221) 33 839- 5050 Fax: (221) 33 839-5002. Chief of the Emergency Department - Colonel Mapathe Seck (221) 33 839-5489. Go to the Emergency Room at the main entrance. (Major trauma Hospital) e-mail: hopitalprincipal@hpd.sn Web: Http://www.hopitalprincipal.sn Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Fann, (known as CHU or Hopital Fann) Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop Tel (+221) 33 869 1818 Director of the Hospital: Daouda Diene Head of the Emergency department (Chef Service d'Urgences): Dr. Alioune Dieng Tel (+221) 33 869 1820

Children:Hôpital d'enfants Albert Royer (part of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Fann) Tel. (+221) 33 825 0308"

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

Burundi - On October 30 the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message responds to news reports of al Shabaab threats against Burundi for its participation in the African Union Mission in Somalia. The Embassy takes this threat seriously and has reviewed the current security posture for U.S. Government personnel and travel warnings for U.S. citizens in the region.

"The Embassy would like to take this opportunity to remind Americans to remain vigilant while performing their daily activities and traveling outside of major cities in order to decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime or other violent acts. Americans are advises to use caution when traveling, paying particular attention when traveling to and from frequent destinations including work, home, and popular shops or restaurants. Travelers should also avoid establishing routines and vary their routes between regularly-traveled destinations in order to reduce their vulnerability to targeted criminal or terrorist acts. In general, Americans should pay close attention to their personal security at locations where Westerners are commonly known to congregate and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Americans living and working in Bujumbura should take this opportunity to ensure their security and emergency action plans are up-to-date.

"Wherever you travel, stay alert and depart the area if you notice suspicious behavior, including attempts to block the road, slow your movement, or place you under any type of surveillance. Report any such incidents to the Embassy's Regional Security Office immediately. In vehicles, keep doors locked and windows up at all times. When driving, do not allow pedestrians or other vehicles to stop your movement. Remember you usually have the choice to turn around, drive in reverse or take other evasive action rather than stopping.

"Likewise, outside of Bujumbura, vulnerability to criminal attacks on the roads continues to be a serious concern. The Embassy strongly cautions against traveling outside of towns after nightfall. When traveling upcountry, the best practice is to use convoys of multiple vehicles to prevent becoming a victim of crime in the event of mechanical failure or emergency while traveling. Furthermore, the Embassy recommends travelers equip themselves with satellite telephones, maps and navigation equipment, medical gear to include trauma supplies, and vehicle maintenance and recovery equipment, especially when traveling off main routes. ..."

India - The U.S. Department of State issued the following travel alert on October 29: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to continuing security concerns in India. The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. This replaces the Travel Alert dated September 12, 2009, and expires on January 28, 2010.

"The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that hotels and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues."