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.

Belgium - On November 9 the U.S. Embassy in Brussels issued the following Warden Message, which reads in part: "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 Belgian Government's Interministerial Influenza Commission (IIC) expects to begin vaccinations in Belgium on or around November 7th for certain at-risk groups, but there is no published date yet for vaccinations for the general public. The vaccine is expected to be available at the offices of all General Practitioners and will be free of charge; however, each recipient will be expected to pay the normal cost for a doctor's office visit. The most up-to-date information on the Government of Belgium's preparedness plan for dealing with the H1N1 influenza is available on its website in Dutch, French, and German, or by contacting the Belgian Influenza Hotline at 0800/99.777."

Bosnia - On November 9 the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo issued the following Warden Message, which reads in part: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza A, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1. The Ministry of Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina reports that, as of November 4, 2009, there have been 42 laboratory-confirmed cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza A in the Federation; in the Republika Srpska, as of November 2, 2009, there have been 11 confirmed cases. Neither entity has introduced any travel restrictions or special measures. The ministries are following the latest developments through their coordination teams on entity and cantonal/district levels in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization; they recommend that anyone with respiratory flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty with breathing, headache, muscle and bone ache, tiredness) contact their regular healthcare provider for further guidance."

Cape Verde - On November 5 the U.S. Embassy in Praia released the following Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of: (1) dengue fever; (2) 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1; and (3) malaria.

Dengue Fever - "The Cape Verdean Ministry of Health has reported over 3,000 suspected cases of dengue fever in the country as of late October. The first officially reported death from this disease for this year was announced on November 2. "Dengue fever, a viral illness spread by mosquitoes, is endemic in most tropical areas of the world. Outbreaks occur primarily in the rainy season. There is no vaccine for dengue fever, and no specific treatment. Symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever, severe muscle, joint and lower-back pain ("breakbone fever"), retro-orbital pain, nausea, vomiting, and generalized weakness. Early symptoms, however, are often nonspecific and overlap those of other illnesses, which may confuse the diagnosis. "To prevent exposure to dengue, protect against mosquito bites with repellent, protective clothing, and screened windows. Note that unlike the mosquitoes that spread malaria, the type of mosquito that carries dengue bites during daytime hours and are most active during the first two hours after dawn and the last two hours before dusk. Also, to help prevent mosquito infestations, eliminate any standing water around your home.

H1N1 Influenza - "The Cape Verdean Ministry of Health has reported a total of 69 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza, as of October 27, 2009. To date, local authorities have not taken any restrictive action regarding travel to or within Cape Verde. The Ministry of Health has created a public emergency flu hotline that is staffed by a doctor 24 hours a day. The hotline may be reached by calling 115.

Malaria - "Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease, transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria exists in Cape Verde, although not to the extent found on the mainland in Africa. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. The risk of contracting malaria is mainly limited to the island of Santiago, with a higher risk from July to December. This year, unusually heavy rains may have contributed to an increased incidence of the disease. The press has reported 32 cases on the island of Santiago since mid-October. "It is recommended that travelers take preventative measures while visiting Cape Verde. The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate anti-malarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents and eliminating areas of standing water around one's house, may help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and the names of the anti-malarial drugs they have been taking.

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

Belize - On November 6 the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan alerts U.S. citizens to information regarding recent armed robberies occurring in Belmopan and the Placencia Peninsula. There is no current information available to suggest the perpetrators were attempting to target U.S. citizens.

"On November 3, 2009 at 8:15pm an expatriate resident of Belize was returning to his home in the Plantation Area of the Placencia Peninsula when he was suddenly approached by two male persons; one of whom pointed a handgun at him. A struggle ensued and the resident was hit in the head, searched, and his cellular phone taken. The crime is still under investigation by the Placencia Police.

"On November 4, 2009, at approximately 8:00pm, two males wearing red bandanas and armed with a pistol, committed a robbery at Daniel's Store, located at the intersection of Zennia Boulevard and Floral Park Road in Belmopan. The store was robbed of cash and merchandise, but no employees or customers were harmed during the incident. Initial indications are that the choice of location appears to have been simply a target of opportunity.

"U.S. citizens who are travelers or residents of Belize are reminded that the frequency of these types of incidents may increase throughout Belize during the holiday season. Travelers or residents are reminded to exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas, and are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, as well as ensuring doors and windows are locked in their homes, hotel rooms, and cars. Purses, bags, wallets, and other valuables should be kept secure whether in public, in hotel rooms, or in a home.".

Honduras - On November 6 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the current uncertain political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens exercise caution when traveling to Honduras, while deferring all non-essential travel to the capital city of Tegucigalpa until further notice. This Travel Alert expires on December 20, 2009.

"On Sunday June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya in a coup d'etat and sent him out of the country. Since that time, there have been frequent demonstrations throughout the country, including roadblocks between cities. Since the signing of a political accord on October 29, demonstrations have been limited to Tegucigalpa. On November 4 and 5, there were explosions at three public locations in Tegucigalpa, with minor injuries caused.

"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.

"Demonstrations may increase in frequency as the political accord is implemented and the November 29, 2009 elections approach. 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. "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. Those with flights scheduled with American Airlines may wish to call (504) 216-4800 (Honduras) or 1-800-433-7300 (United States). Those traveling with Delta Airlines may wish to call 1-800-241-4141 (United States and Central America) or (504) 550-1616 (San Pedro Sula). Those with flights scheduled with Continental Airlines may wish to call (504) 220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), (504) 557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 1-800-231-0856 (United States).

"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. "The non-immigrant visa unit re-opened for regular service on November 2, 2009. Barring changes in the security situation, the Consular Section will be open for normal business for non-immigrant visa services, immigrant visa services and American Citizen Services both at the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa and for American Citizen Services at the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula."

Macedonia / Bulgaria - On November 10 the U.S. Embassy in Skopje issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy has received information from the Macedonian Ministry of Interior that a bridge collapsed due to poor weather conditions five kilometers from the Macedonian-Bulgarian border near Gyueshevo on the Bulgarian side (near the Deve Bair border crossing on the Macedonian side). The road is completely blocked. Anyone attempting to travel between Macedonia and Bulgaria should use the border crossings at Delcevo or Novo Selo. At this time, there is no estimate on how long the road will remain closed. The U.S. Embassy will provide updates on the road closure as they become available."

Mozambique - On November 10 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens in Mozambique to the potential for violence following the official release of the October 28, 2009 general election results, which is now scheduled for November 12, 2009. This replaces the Travel Alert dated September 23, 2009 and expires on November 20. "The Embassy has received specific reports of localized civil unrest and violence in Gaza, Nampula, Sofala and Tete provinces. Past elections in Mozambique have featured violence in other areas of the country throughout the campaign season, the election, and especially in the days and weeks following the announcement of election results. "U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Mozambique during this period are reminded to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and crowds of any kind. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via local media sources, including TV and radio and via the internet."