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.

Germany - On December 4 the U.S. Embassy in Berlin 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. There is currently a strong increase in the number of confirmed H1N1 cases in Germany. As of December 1, there have been 172,627 confirmed cases. German authorities have procured vaccines and are closely tracking the spread of H1N1, but have not taken actions to quarantine individuals or limit travel. No entry/exit screening measures have been implemented at ports of entry.

Kosovo - On December 3 the U.S. Embassy in Pristina 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 in Kosovo. As most are aware, H1N1 influenza has arrived in Kosovo and surrounding countries. All are encouraged to take precautions to lessen the chance of becoming ill and spreading the illness. As of November 23 the Kosovo National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) reported that since the appearance of the first case in July 2009, the virus has been confirmed in 98 patients, with three fatalities. Kosovo authorities advise those with flu like symptoms to see their local physicians. Local physicians can obtain specimens for testing at the NIPH which can confirm H1N1 influenza.

"The Government of Kosovo has been advised it will receive H1N1 vaccines for its citizens from the World Health Organization. The Turkish government donated 5,000 H1N1 vaccines to NIPH. The NIPH also has a limited supply of the anti-viral Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and is hoping to increase this supply. … "Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the United States Embassy in Pristina 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

Brazil - The U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro issued the following Warden Message on December 3: "In recent months, Rio de Janeiro's State Secretary for Public Security has launched a program called the Favela Pacification Plan, with the aim of entering and occupying, and thereby 'pacifying' various favelas (slums) in Rio in order to provide public services and security to law abiding citizens. Rio's police have already successfully entered at least five favelas, including several - Cantagalo, Pavao-Pavaozinho, and Morro da Babilonia - located near popular beaches and tourist sites commonly visited by U.S. citizens. The incursions of the police into favelas can frequently lead to gunfire and violence in and around the favelas and can lead to retaliation attacks by criminals against public transportation. "The U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro advises U.S. citizen visitors and residents in Rio to continue to pay close attention to their surroundings and to exercise prudence when moving about the city. Additionally, U.S. citizens in Rio should continue to take their personal safety seriously and, as always, to obey any instructions they are given by Rio's police."

Denmark - The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen issued the following Warden Message on December 4: "This Warden Message is to inform U.S. citizens that the 15th annual Congress of the Parties (COP-15) is a UN conference that gathers representatives of all UN member states to discuss issues related to climate change. This year's conference is marked by the expectation that a major agreement addressing climate change may be reached. However, demonstrators of many different orientations have announced plans to conduct large scale protests at the Bella Center, the site of the conference, and throughout Copenhagen. "The period of the conference, December 6-19, will be a time of heightened threats from demonstrations, criminal activities, and possible terrorist attacks. The Embassy wishes to warn U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Denmark during this time that disruptions to normal life are likely.

Guinea - On December 8 the U.S. Embassy in Conakry issued the following Warden Message: "The Embassy is issuing this warden message to advise U.S. citizens of an increase in violent crime directed at motor vehicle occupants traveling within the city of Conakry late at night." In recent weeks, small groups of men, often in military-type uniforms, have stopped and hijacked vehicles at makeshift roadblocks, often threatening the occupants at gunpoint. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, numerous foreigners have fallen victim to these nighttime, impromptu roadblock robberies. "Individuals arriving at the Conakry international airport via late night flights have also been robbed. As a result, the Embassy urges U.S. citizens traveling to and from the airport to try to transit the airport during daylight hours. Those who absolutely must arrive in Guinea via late-night flights are strongly advised to make arrangements to be met at, and escorted from, the airport. "The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens exercise caution while traveling in and around Guinea, and limit their travel to daylight hours whenever possible. In particular, Americans are cautioned against traveling during night-time hours from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from traveling within Conakry between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m."

Malawi - On December 3 the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe issued the following Warden Message: "Ongoing fuel shortages in Malawi have resulted in long lines at service stations, traffic disruptions of and frustrated motorists. U.S. citizens who find themselves in the midst of traffic congestion should exercise caution and avoid crowds."

Mexico - On December 4 the U.S. Consulate General in Hermosillo issued the following Warden Message: "This warden message alerts American residents and travelers to seasonal crime along toll roads in Sonora and Sinaloa involving the theft at gun point of money, jewelry and other items of value visitors might bring to share with family members in Mexico. While such crimes can happen at any time, there are seasonal peaks, occurring primarily during the period between late November and mid-January and again between mid-March and mid-April.

Please be aware of the following common scenario: Most cases occur at night or in the hours before dawn and involve two vehicles. A car or truck with lights resembling those used on law enforcement vehicles pulls up behind the victim's car and motions the driver to pull to the side of the road or down a side road where the thieves' second vehicle is waiting. The victims are told at gun point to get out of their car. One of the thieves guards them while the others remove valuables from the car.

Usually the thieves instruct the victims to wait for a period of time before trying to leave, and not to speak with police or law enforcement about the incident. They usually leave the keys for the victim's car in a place where the driver can locate them easily. Then the thieves depart, and the occupants of the car can resume their journey. To date, no one has been seriously injured or killed during these robberies, but the experience can be traumatic and terrifying. It does not appear that these criminals are targeting American cars or American citizens. The best defense against this type of assault is to DRIVE ONLY DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS."

On December 8 the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to warn American citizens that levels of violence and criminal activity continue to increase in the State of Chihuahua and that drug traffickers are targeting individuals who previously were not at particular risk. Over 2,200 homicides have taken place in Ciudad Juarez in 2009, and drug-related murders have taken place throughout Chihuahua. Cases of kidnapping, extortion and carjacking are also on the rise. Drug cartels fighting to control smuggling routes through Chihuahua recently announced that family members of rival cartel members would be targeted.

The groups then followed up their threats by targeting and killing several family members, including at least one small child. Previously the cartels did not target family members. The Consulate recommends that Americans in the state of Chihuahua be alert to this new security concern and organize their social and business activities accordingly. While the Consulate has no information that indicates that American citizens are being targeted because of their nationality, shootings continue to occur at all hours and in a wide variety of locations. Americans are advised to avoid locations where drug dealing or other illicit activity is conducted. The narcotics-related violence has taken a toll on local and state police forces in Chihuahua with several law enforcement officials killed in the last two weeks.

The Consulate General continues to advise American citizens to defer non-essential travel to the Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez due to ongoing drug related violence in the area. This region is referred to locally as the 'Valle de Juarez' and begins in San Isidro and runs southeast through Guadalupe and Praxedis and ends in Porvenir. The Fabens and Fort Hancock ports-of-entry are often used to cross into this region from the United States. U.S. Government personnel have been instructed to avoid travel to this area. There have been more incidents of violence affecting U.S. citizens in the Guadalupe Bravo area since the first Warden Message on this area was issued in February 2009.

Micronesia - The U.S. Embassy in Kolona issued the following Warden Message on December 9: "This warden message is to alert U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) that in the past few months, a number of attacks, including one murder, occurred against women who were alone on roads or pedestrian trails. While such crimes can happen any time or any place, the victims of these attacks were expatriates walking or jogging alone during the late night or early morning hours. It does not appear the perpetrators were targeting U.S. citizens. The best defense against such assaults is to avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night or in the early morning. Be particularly wary of venues where groups of young men might congregate and where alcohol may be present."

Sudan - On December 9 the US Government issued the following Warden Message: This Warden Message alerts American citizens to the potential for violence, unrest, and disruption of transportation routes due to anti-government demonstrations in Khartoum, Juba, and other locations in Sudan. There has been a recent increase in political tensions related to the April 2010 national elections in Sudan and these tensions have led to protests, demonstrations, and minor violence in Khartoum and Juba.

American citizens throughout Sudan are advised to avoid the vicinity of public demonstrations/ gatherings, whether announced or spontaneous. American citizens in Khartoum, Juba, and other Sudanese cities should be prepared to take alternate travel routes, as roads and bridges may be closed by Sudanese authorities in response to protests. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can suddenly turn confrontational and escalate into violence. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. The Department of State continues to warn against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence involving government forces, rebel factions, and various armed militias continues.

American citizens who choose to travel to Sudan despite the existing Travel Warning, and those currently in Sudan, should review their security posture and take appropriate precautions. Americans living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the Department of State's Travel Registration website (http://travel.state.gov) so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Sudan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency.