April 30, 2009. Government Warning Issued Worldwide
| SOURCE: | Air Security International |
U.S. Embassies in countries with no confirmed cases issue Warden Message updates: "The following was compiled from Warden Messages released by U.S. Embassies over April 28-29 in countries where NO CASES of swine flu had been confirmed as of 5 p.m., April 29:
"The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended on April 27, 2009 that U.S. citizens defer all nonessential travel to Mexico because of the outbreak of H1N1 "swine" influenza. The CDC Travel Notice which advises U.S. citizens of the health risks that may be involved with travel to Mexico and provides a list of precautions travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection can be found at the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert that can be found at http://travel.state.gov.
"Specific details on different countries that at the time of this writing have no confirmed cases:
Africa:
Botswana:
"There have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 2009 influenza in Cambodia. U.S. Embassy Gaborone reminds travelers that information on sheltering in place in the event of a pandemic is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_3096.html."
Congo:
"The Congolese Ministry of Health has not reported any outbreak in the Republic of Congo. Local authorities are monitoring the situation and are working in close collaboration with representatives of both the United States Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization."
East Asia Pacific:
Cambodia:
"There have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 2009 influenza in Cambodia. However, the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh has recommended that their staff maintain the following supplies at home: -A thermometer -Tylenol or ibuprofen (adults and children) or aspirin (adults only) for fever management -Large supply of potable water and sufficient food in case you need to stay in place for several days -Hand sanitizer or antiseptic soap.
"While most of the attention these days is on H1N1 virus, Cambodia has had confirmed cases of avian flu in the past. As such, we recommend avoiding close contact with poultry (dead or alive), areas where poultry is slaughtered, poultry by-products and poultry droppings. There is nothing wrong with eating poultry or pork, fresh or frozen, as long as it is properly cooked (170 degrees Fahrenheit)."
China:
"The Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) issued an emergency notice requiring people to report flu-like symptoms at ports of entry when coming from affected areas. The United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has also implemented passive surveillance protocols to screen for ill individuals who may arrive at U.S. borders."
Taiwan:
"U.S. citizens in Taiwan seeking up-to-date information on the recent outbreak of H1N1 Influenza A in the United States and Mexico should refer to the websites of public health authorities.
"Taiwan's Center for Disease Control's website is located in English at: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=5"
Mongolia:
"The U.S. Embassy is hosting a town hall meeting Friday, May 1 at 4:30 pm in the Star Apartments Community Center to discuss precautions relating to the H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) public health emergency. The Embassy will discuss appropriate routine precautions and the U.S. Government's response to the situation. To date, the World Health Organization is not recommending any restriction of regular travel or the closure of borders and the US Embassy is not aware of any travel bans affecting travelers to or from Mongolia. However, some airports in the Asia Pacific region have imposed additional screening for travelers from affected areas (Mexico and the United States) or exhibiting flu-like symptoms. This situation may change at any moment and travelers should review travel plans carefully and consult with the airlines in light of possible travel restrictions."
Timor-Leste:
"There have been no confirmed cases of H1N1 2009 influenza reported in Timor-Leste. However, some countries in the region are exercising heightened vigilance for suspected cases of flu at ports of entry."
Central America:
Dominican Republic:
"The Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic is reporting that there are no known cases of the H1N1 2009 influenza in the Dominican Republic. The U.S. Embassy and the government of the Dominican Republic will continue to monitor the situation."
El Salvador:
"There have been no reported cases of swine flu in El Salvador. Officials at airports, border crossings, bus depots, hospitals and clinics have been notified to be on the alert and screen individuals for swine flu symptoms. The government has declared a national emergency for El Salvador in response to the recent outbreak of 2009-H1N1 flu in the region, but this is only a preventative measure intended to free up funding for medicines and emergency supplies that may be needed in the event of an outbreak. Local authorities at airports, border crossings, bus depots, hospitals and clinics have been notified to be on the alert and screen individuals for flu symptoms. The website for the Salvadoran Ministry of Health is http://www.mspas.gob.sv/"
Guatemala:
"There have not been any confirmed cases of H1N1 2009 influenza in Guatemala. Local news media report that immigration officials are screening travelers as they cross the border from Mexico at El Carmen, Malacatan, and Tecun Uman and at La Aurora International and Mundo Maya airports in Guatemala City and Flores."
Caribbean:
Cuba:
"Cuba has reported no confirmed cases of the 2009-H1N1 Influenza. On April 29, the Cuban government suspended flights to and from Mexico for 48 hours, except for flights to return passengers from Cuba to Mexico only, in an effort to prevent the outbreak of the 2009-H1N1 Influenza on the island. The government said it was prepared to introduce additional restrictions, including extending the flight restrictions, if necessary to keep the illness at bay."
Europe:
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
"There are no reported cases in Bosnia. However, the Bosnian government is monitoring the situation and has stated they will be following the recommendations of the World Health Organization. At present, no special measures are required."
France:
"There were no reported cases of swine flu in France. The French Government maintains up-to-date information (in French) on its website: http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr."
South America:
Argentina:
"This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Argentina that to date the government of Argentina is not reporting any confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza (commonly called swine flu). However as a precaution, authorities in Argentina have temporarily suspended flights to Argentina which originate in Mexico, the country where most cases have been reported. Seven suspected cases are under review. More information on H1N1 Influenza in Argentina may be obtained from the Argentine Ministry of Health website at http://www.msal.gov.ar/htm/site/default.asp."
Uruguay:
"Health officials stated that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of the H1N1 2009 influenza in Uruguay. Local authorities stand ready to screen in-coming travelers with flu-like symptoms."
South and Central Asia:
India:
"There have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 2009 influenza in India. However, the Government of India has announced new airport screening measures at each of its international terminals in response to the outbreak of H1N1 flu in a number of countries. These measures will take effect immediately.
"The screening measures include requiring all travelers arriving on international flights to complete a questionnaire that will be reviewed by health care screeners upon arrival. Travelers who answer yes to any of the questions or show signs of fever or cough may be referred to a doctor and possibly detained for observation. Travelers showing signs of fever or cough during a flight may also be asked to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. Passengers sitting in the vicinity, three rows ahead and back, of the affected traveler may also be given masks to wear and be subject to additional screening upon arrival in India. Travelers arriving from or transiting affected countries, and who have a fever or cough at the time of embarkation, are being asked by Indian authorities to consider postponing their trip.
"Travelers to India should be prepared for significant delays upon arrival as these screening measures are implemented."
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