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October 26, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Turkmenistan

SOURCE:U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassy Ashgabat issued the following Warden Message October 26:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to a developing medical situation in Turkmenistan. We have noticed a significant increase in school-age children diagnosed with upper respiratory illnesses (cold and flu symptoms), rotavirus and Hepatitis A. Local contacts have confirmed that some of the cases so far are Type A influenza (this may be seasonal, H1N1 or another viral flu). We also have reports that the Dashoguz area is experiencing a similar wave of illness.

Several Embassy families have members sick with flu-like symptoms: high fevers, coughs, body aches, headaches, fatigue and runny nose. We suspect that these cases are consistent with H1N1 and therefore are conducting testing. The Embassy is taking the following steps at this time to limit transmission: Upcoming community Halloween events have been canceled, along with other internal events. Embassy employees are advised to avoid large crowds and to limit interactions to the extent possible.

If the Embassy takes further steps, we will advise the American citizen community via further warden messages.

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.

Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State


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