September 9, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Malawi
| SOURCE: | U.S. Department of State |
U.S. Embassy Lilongwe released the following Warden Message on September 9:
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1. The Ministry of Health has reported a single case of H1N1 in Mangochi, Southern Region.
American citizens should be aware that the Embassy cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.
Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.
Please note that the Embassy is NOT advising Americans in Malawi to depart. At this time, the Embassy advises that Americans review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to remain in Malawi.
For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department's "Pandemic/Avian Influenza" and "Remain in Country" fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov. Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Americans living or traveling in Malawi are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Malawi. 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. The U.S. Embassy is located at Area 40, Plot 20 Kenyatta Drive, Lilongwe (Tel. 265-1-773-166, 1-773-342 and 1-773-367) In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.
Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State