November 25, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Ghana
| SOURCE: | U.S. Department of State |
U.S. Embassy Accra issued the following Warden Message on November 25:
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 Ghana Health Service confirmed that there have been 16 cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza at the Lincoln Community School. All of these cases are successfully being treated at home. The Ghana Health Service has directed that classes at Lincoln Community School be suspended for 10 days as a precautionary measure in the interest of public health. The specific purpose of this temporary closure is to break the transmission cycle of the virus within the school and to prevent the possible spread of the virus to the broader community. No extraordinary measures such as travel restrictions or quarantines have been implemented.
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.
At this time, the Embassy advises citizens to review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, please read the "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located on the Department of State's website for international travelers. Additional information about 2009-H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Government's federal influenza website.
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 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
U.S. citizens living or traveling in Ghana are encouraged to register with the Embassy through the Department of State's travel registration website, so they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Ghana. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
Copyright © 2009, U.S. Department of State