November 12, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Lithuania
| SOURCE: | U.S. Department of State |
U.S. Embassy Vilnius released the following Warden Message November 12, 2009.
This warden message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. As of the date of this message, the Lithuanian Health Protection Ministry (Lietuvos Sviekatos Apsaugos Ministerija) has confirmed 76 human cases of the H1N1 virus in Lithuania during 2009. In addition to those confirmed cases, media reports over the weekend cited several dozen more potential cases of H1N1 during a single outbreak at the General Jono Zemaicio Military Academy in Vilnius. It should be noted that Lithuania has reported over 6,500 cases of influenza this year, none of which were tested to ascertain whether they were H1N1 strain. Also of note, in recent weeks local media has reported sharp increases in H1N1 infection rates in other countries in the region.
Americans who wish to obtain immediate information from local health authorities may call a toll free hotline set up by the Lithuanian Health Protection Ministry (LHPM) at +370.800.66.004, during normal business hours or visit their website. Additionally, the Health Emergency Situations Center, which can be contacted at +370.5.261.9888, provides emergency information on weekends and after hours. We also recommend Americans who are thinking of traveling in the region visit the websites of the U.S. Embassies of the countries they wish to visit.
H1N1 Vaccine
The LHPM has indicated that, under its current plan, no H1N1 vaccine will be available in Lithuania until at least the middle of 2010, unless other arrangements are made to procure supplies before that time. Even if vaccine becomes available, the Ministry has indicated that priority will be given to persons who are considered at high risk for complications from H1N1 influenza, such as pregnant women, young children and persons with certain chronic health problems. Vaccine for regular seasonal flu is currently available in Lithuania.
Anti-Viral Medications
Certain anti-viral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) have been shown effective at preventing the development of influenza illness if taken shortly after infection with the H1N1 virus. While these drugs are available in Lithuania with a doctor's prescription, America citizens should be aware that, according to media reports, there have been intermittent shortages of these drugs and other flu related supplies (masks, gloves, etc) due to high demand.
The U.S. Embassy does not have the legal authority or resources to provide private American citizens with drugs, vaccines, supplies or other medical treatment. Accordingly, American citizens should consult with a local physician to determine when it would be appropriate to obtain a prescription for an anti-viral drug or other medical treatment.
Travel Disruption
At the present time, Lithuania is not screening travelers for H1N1, and no quarantine measures have been implemented. American citizens should be aware, however, that Lithuania or other countries in the region could implement such measures, or could otherwise limit or cease operations at land, sea or air ports of entry. If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to H1N1 influenza, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, so that we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the U.S. Government cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.
Steps You Can Take Now
American citizens should keep in mind common-sense planning steps they can take during a pandemic influenza outbreak. A useful checklist for steps that you can take now is available at Flu.gov. The U.S. Embassy's website contains links to these resources, as well as other information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Lithuanian health authorities.
Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State