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.

The AeroClinic in Baltimore/Washington will sell flu shots - the seasonal flu shot, for $40 and the H1N1 vaccine for $22, when available - until Dec. 10. Travelers can purchase the vaccines Tuesdays and Thursdays at the clinic, in Concourse A/B and Concourse D at Gate D1.

Macedonia - The U.S. Embassy in Skopje issued the following Warden Message on November 30: "This warden message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 influenza in Macedonia and surrounding countries. All are encouraged to take precautions to lessen the chance of becoming ill and spreading the virus. As of November 25, 2009, the Macedonian Ministry of Health reported that since the appearance of the first case of H1N1 influenza in July 2009 in the country, the virus has been confirmed in 351 patients, with two fatalities. Macedonian health authorities advise those with flu-like symptoms to see their local physicians. Patients who show more serious symptoms of illness will be immediately taken to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje. Although the Macedonian Ministry of Education has banned excursions for school children within and outside Macedonia until further notice, schools will remain open, and the Macedonian government is encouraging parents to keep their children in schools.

"The Macedonian government has purchased 800,000 vaccine doses, which are scheduled to arrive in three shipments, but none have arrived as of late November. "There is no health screening equipment at the border crossing points, except at the Skopje airport, where there is a thermal imaging camera. This camera is in use for all arriving travelers; if they show signs of fever, they are advised to consult a physician, but are not otherwise detained or barred from entering. Fliers and brochures with information for personal protection are available at all border crossing points.

"If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Embassy 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."

Portugal - On December 2 the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon issued 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 Portuguese Ministry of Health indicated that 27,127 patients had flu-like symptoms independent of laboratory test confirmation during the period of November 16-22. The Government of Portugal stopped counting cases of confirmed H1N1 in August, but still has a 24 hour 'Health Line' (808 24 24 24) available for patients to call if they experience flu-like symptoms. Press 1 at the first prompt (after 'Bem-vindo'), then press 1 again. The Embassy has confirmed that there are English-speaking nurses available on the Health Line. There are currently no general travel restrictions associated with the H1N1 outbreak in Portugal.

"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."

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 December 2 the U.S. Embassy in La Paz issued the following Warden Message: which reads in part: "This Warden Message is to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia that on Sunday, December 6 Bolivia will be holding nationwide general elections. The elections will affect business operations and activities throughout the country. Please review the following and make the necessary arrangements to minimize any inconvenience.

From 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, until noon Monday, December 7, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be suspended. Carrying firearms during that period is illegal. Additionally, between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, no private vehicles or public transportation will be allowed on the streets without prior authorization from the National Electoral Court. "No domestic flights are scheduled for Sunday, December 6, but international flights will continue to operate as scheduled. Please note that transportation services from the airport to the different cities in Bolivia will be limited to hotel shuttles. Travelers should arrange their plans to avoid travel to, from or within Bolivia on December 6, if possible.

U.S. citizens should be aware that the political party MAS will stage two large rallies in the cities of Santa Cruz and La Paz prior to the election. On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, a rally is planned in Santa Cruz during the afternoon hours. A second rally on Thursday, December 3 is scheduled to take place in El Alto outside of La Paz at 3:00 p.m. Access to the La Paz airport may be obstructed by this rally. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid these areas if possible…"

Estonia - On December 2 the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn issued the following Warden Message on November 26: "The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn is notifying U.S. citizens that, according to a statement issued by the Tallinn Police Department, there were several crimes reported in the area in and around the Old Town in Tallinn over the past several days.

"According to local police, on Monday a young male, approximately 20-25 years old and approximately 180-185 cm (5 feet 10 inches - 6 feet) tall was involved in two separate attacks on females in the area near Nunne street, where the stairs (Patkuli trepp) go up to the Toompea viewing platform. Both of the victims were admitted to the hospital and one remains in critical condition. No motive has been determined for these attacks. On Tuesday morning, in Lepistiku Park in Mustamäe near the Magistraali shopping center, a man matching the same description was disturbing the peace and bothering female shoppers. It has not been confirmed whether the incident involved the same person, but there are many similarities.

"The Embassy reminds American citizens to remain aware of your surroundings and to take special note of people exhibiting strange or menacing behavior. Furthermore, the Embassy recommends against walking alone through the city. In case of an emergency, call the police (112) and immediately and report your situation. Also, be sure to notify the U.S. Embassy (+372-668-8100, or +372-509-2129 after hours)."

Greece - On December 2 the U.S. Embassy in Athens issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "U.S. Embassy Athens and U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki wish to inform American citizens of the potential for demonstrations on the upcoming anniversary of the death of a teen-aged boy who was killed in an encounter with police on December 6, 2008. In the wake of the death, extended violent and destructive protests occurred throughout Greece, especially in central Athens and Thessaloniki. "We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. In the past, some demonstrations have included violence and destruction of property, and riot control procedures have included the use of tear gas. Americans are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, to exercise extreme caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations, and depart the area as quickly and unobtrusively as possible."

Haiti - - The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on November 27: "The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that violent unrest continues in the Champs de Mars and John Brown areas, including the Faculty of Ethnology. Protestors are erecting road blocks and throwing stones at passing vehicles. "All non-essential travel to these areas should be rescheduled. American citizens are advised to avoid these areas and should monitor media coverage to stay abreast of the situation as it develops. Americans in Haiti are advised to remain alert and to avoid all demonstrations as they can result in violence and require police intervention. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy

Libya - On November 25 the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "On December 6, 2009, the U.S. Consular Section will move to the location of our main Embassy compound, in the Ben Ashour neighborhood beside the Libyan-British Clinic (formerly the Libyan-Swiss Clinic) on Jeraba Street (where the U.S. chancery is currently located). Due to our move, routine consular services for American citizens will likely be reduced until December 17. However, as always, we will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist with any emergencies involving American citizens. You will receive another message once the consular section is again functioning at full capacity.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Serraj neighborhood on the connection road with Krimia neighborhood. The Chinese Ambassador's residence is on the same road. Our phone numbers are (091) 379-4560 during business hours or (091) 366-2696 (after-hours number for emergencies involving American citizens only). "

Malaysia - On November 26 the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur issued the following Warden Message: "As the holiday season approaches, we know that many U.S. citizens will be traveling in and around Malaysia. The Embassy wants to take this opportunity to reiterate our guidance on security threats in the region we think you should consider when making your plans.

"The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens in Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in the region have demonstrated the capability to carry out attacks in locations where Westerners congregate, and these groups do not distinguish between civilian and official targets. The U.S. Government has designated two such groups, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. JI, which has a known presence in Malaysia, is linked to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups and has cells operating throughout Southeast Asia.

"There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups continue to plan acts of violence against foreigners. The July 17, 2009, attack in Indonesia serves as a reminder that terrorists retain the intent and capability to attack Western targets in the region, although the Government of Malaysia and other regional governments have also increased their ability to detect, deter, and prevent attacks. The most recent incident involving U.S. citizens in Malaysia occurred in 2000, and the most recent incident involving other foreigners occurred in 2003. The ASG, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped foreigners in Malaysia. Criminal elements are also responsible for kidnapping and piracy committed against foreigners. These acts of violence have occurred in the eastern islands and coastal areas of the state of Sabah, closest to the maritime border with the Philippines.

"For these reasons, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to evaluate carefully the risks of travel to the eastern islands and coastal areas of the state of Sabah. U.S. citizens who wish to visit these areas should exercise caution, remain alert to their surroundings, and use good personal security measures. Also, U.S. citizens who travel overland from Malaysia to Thailand should be aware of the Department of State's safety and security information for Thailand, and in particular for the several Thai provinces bordering Malaysia."

Mauritania - On December 2 the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Warning, which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Mauritania, and urges extreme caution when traveling there due to increased activities by the terrorist group Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). AQIM continues to demonstrate its intent and ability to conduct attacks against U.S. citizens or other foreign nationals. Most recently in a presumed terrorist action, three Spanish NGO workers were kidnapped from their vehicle while driving from Nouadhibou to Nouakchott on November 29, 2009. The U.S. Department of State also recommends against all non-essential travel to the Hodh El Charghi region, the eastern half of the Tagant region, as well as the Zemmour region of Mauritania, and strongly discourages travel to unpopulated areas of eastern Mauritania. Faith-based organizations operating in Mauritania, regardless of location, may also be particularly targeted. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Alert for Mauritania, which was issued on September 1, 2009, to remind travelers of security concerns.

"As noted in the Department of State's Worldwide Caution dated July 29, 2009, AQIM has been designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union. AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western targets. "Travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to the Hodh El Charghi region of southeastern Mauritania, the eastern half of the Tagant region of central Mauritania (east of Tidjika) and the Zemmour region of northern Mauritania due to increased AQIM activities in these areas. Travel in the unpopulated areas of eastern Mauritania (areas east of Zouerate and Chinguetti and north of Nema) is strongly discouraged due to the threats of terrorism and banditry. U.S. Embassy staff members are authorized to travel to these regions only with Mauritarian government escorts.

"U.S. citizens should not venture outside of urban areas unless in a convoy and accompanied by an experienced guide, and even then only if equipped with sturdy vehicles and ample provisions. Driving after dark outside of urban areas is also strongly discouraged. There have been reports of banditry and smuggling in the more remote parts of Mauritania. Landmines also remain a danger along the border with the Western Sahara. Travelers should cross borders only at designated border posts.