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/

Burundi - On July 9 the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura issued the following Warden Message: "Violence, including grenade attacks, has noticeably declined in the last week. The U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura has lifted its temporary restrictions on movement of U.S. citizen embassy employees. The Embassy has discontinued its restrictions limiting non-essential travel to public gathering places, such as restaurants and bars, between 6:30 pm and dawn. However, the Central Market remains off-limits due to its history as a target for political violence. The Embassy recommends that all U.S. citizens remain vigilant as the risk for violence remains unpredictable. "Security Tips and Considerations: "Consider the level of security at an establishment; are police or guards present and attentive to road and foot traffic? Consider your seating choice: take seats indoors or behind a building, rather than in an open area adjacent to the street; Do not loiter in public areas, especially at night; Consider your proximity to politically significant locations or people."

Honduras - On July 14 the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Honduras informs American citizens residing in or visiting Honduras that the Honduran Ministry of Health has recorded over 17,620 cases of classic dengue and 594 of the hemorrhagic type. The disease has already claimed 21 lives in the country this year, 5 more cases are under investigation. The government reported that 85% of the hemorrhagic dengue cases were reported in the capital of Tegucigalpa. The government has initiated a massive fumigation effort in addition to public education outreach in order to contain the epidemic.

"Dengue fever is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person. There is no vaccine to protect against infection and no treatment to stop an infection. "What are the classic symptoms of dengue? "The principal symptoms of classic dengue fever are: high fever (starting 3-14 days after bite and lasting less than 7 days); severe headache (especially behind the eyes); joint and muscle pain (especially in the lower back); bone pain (earning the name "break-bone fever"); and rash and mild bleeding (e.g., nose or gums bleed, easy bruising). "Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterized by symptoms consistent with classic dengue, however, when the fever declines, symptoms including persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing may develop. More severe symptoms may follow.

"What is the treatment for dengue? "There is no medication for treatment of dengue infection. Persons who think they have dengue should use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid those containing any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as aspirin. "They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consult a physician. If they feel worse (e.g., develop vomiting and severe abdominal pain) in the first 24 hours after the fever declines, they should go immediately to the hospital for evaluation. "What can be done to reduce the risk of acquiring dengue? "Persons should properly apply mosquito repellent containing 20% to 30% DEET. The American Academy of Pediatrics approves the use of repellents with up to 30% DEET on children over 2 months. If sunscreen is needed, apply before insect repellent. Persons should wear long sleeves and long pants for best coverage when outdoors. In addition, buildings should have window and door screens. The best defense against dengue is to eliminate the places where the mosquitoes lay their eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water. Items that collect rainwater or are used to store water should be covered and properly discarded."

Mexico - On July 9 the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey would like to inform all U.S. Citizens in the area of continuing disruptions to travel in the Monterrey consular district. Flooding in the area of Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon has caused the closure of the 'cuota' toll road from Monterrey to Laredo. Flooding has also damaged a bridge near Ciénega de Flores on the 'carretera libre' free highway from Monterrey to Laredo. It is not known when these roads will be reopened. American citizens are advised not to attempt to drive to Nuevo Laredo on these roads.

"International bridge traffic between Nuevo Laredo and Laredo, Texas continues to be disrupted. The Columbia Solidarity bridge and International Bridge I are still closed to all traffic. International Bridge II remains open, but traffic is being rationed to allow only five cars on the bridge at a time. The International Trade bridge remains open to tractor trailer traffic only, with the number of vehicles on the bridge being regulated as well. Mexican authorities have asked travelers to avoid non-essential crossings until the closed bridges are reopened. "The U.S. Department of State continues to encourage citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling throughout northern Mexico. Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery that has resulted in violence and have also been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. U.S. citizens traveling by road to and from the U.S. border through Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Durango, and Sinaloa should be especially vigilant. Criminals appear to especially target SUVs and full-size pick-up trucks for theft and car-jacking along these routes. DTOs have also erected unauthorized checkpoints on roads and killed motorists who have not stopped at them."

On July 9 the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo advises all U.S. citizens in the area that due to the recent storm and subsequent flooding that all Mexican highways leading into Nuevo Laredo have been closed. Local government officials are warning of possible shortages of food, water, gasoline, and medicine as no vehicles carrying these supplies will be able to reach the city from the interior of Mexico for the next 3-7 days depending on weather conditions. U.S. citizens in the area are advised to stock up on these supplies as appropriate. At this time, all city services remain open."

Panama - On July 10 the U.S. Embassy in Panama City issued a Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Panama City alerts U.S. citizens that large-scale protests in Changuinola, Bocas del Toro Province, continue and have become violent in some instances. According to information we have received, protesters have blocked the roads in and out of Changuinola. At this time commercial flights from the airport in Changuinola have suspended. Peace Corps volunteers in the city have been temporarily relocated from the area. U.S. citizens planning to travel to or from the Bocas region are strongly urged to monitor the local media and consider the impact of the current disturbances on the availability of transportation and accommodation.

"These protests may last for several days. U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow developments via the media as there are currently indications that protests may continue and a general strike may happen. U.S. citizens in Bocas del Toro are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and to avoid the Changuinola area. U.S. citizens already in Changuinola or in any other area where there are demonstrations should exercise extreme caution, keep a low profile, and avoid crowds, public demonstrations and other civil disturbances."

Phillipines - On July 14 the U.S. Embassy in Manila issued a Warden Message, which reads in part as follows: "On June 6, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the onset of the 2010 rainy season. The rainy season, which is associated with the Southwest Monsoon, is generally expected to last until the end of September. During this time, the Philippines may experience tropical depressions, tropical storms, and typhoons. From June 2009 to October 2009, PAGASA recorded 14 of these weather events in the Philippines Area of Responsibility, eight of which made landfall. "In preparation for the Typhoon season, the U.S. Embassy encourages U.S. Citizens to take the following precautionary measures in order to ensure minimal disruption or damage should a major weather event occur.

"Keep an up-to-date list of local emergency phone numbers; Secure loose outdoor items, such as limbs, roofing material, windows (coverings), doors, patio furniture, debris (trash), etc.; Keep vehicle fuel, generator fuel, and water tanks at no less than 2/3 capacity; Check and charge radios; Charge cell phones; Protect your vital travel documents (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID's, etc.) from potential water damage by placing them in a waterproof container; Gather flashlights, tools, and first aid supplies; Procure fresh batteries, hand-held radios (battery or crank operated), candles, matches, water, non-perishable food, pet supplies, and ice; Assure an adequate supply of prescription medications; Stay home and let your family & office know how you plan to weather the storm; After the storm has passed, contact your family in the United States to let them know you are okay. ..."