internationalsos.com - Press releases

Protests in Ecuador against free trade with US; Five human deaths from bird flu in Azerbaijan

22 March 2006

Philadelphia

International SOS, the world's leading provider of medical and security assistance services, international healthcare, and outsourced customer care, offers travel alerts to members traveling overseas in order to make them aware of security risks or medical related issues they may encounter at, or en route to their destination(s).  The following is a sample of locations that represent current security and medical risks for global travelers.

Ecuador- March 21, 2006- Police Disrupt Free Trade Protest in Quito
Police in Quito fired tear gas at some 100 demonstrators marching toward the presidential palace yesterday. The demonstrators were calling on the government to abandon free trade negotiations with the United States. A separate free trade protest by students and farmers in the city's Parque El Arbolito was relatively peaceful. Protestors also maintained roadblocks in surrounding provinces, forcing supply shortages in some areas.

This latest round of protests lacks the intensity and support seen previously. Protest fervor may increase, however, when final trade negotiations between the US and Ecuador begin on Thursday. The potential for violence and continued disruptions during these protests cannot be discounted.

Foreign business travelers face no specific risk from these protests at this time, but are advised to avoid all demonstrations, even those that appear peaceful. Travel disruptions should be expected in the affected provinces.

Nepal - March 21, 2006- Clashes Break Out Between Soldiers and Maoist Rebels
Heavy fighting broke out between Maoist rebels and the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) in two different districts in Nepal this morning. Maoists attacked police forces in Jhapa district in eastern Nepal, resulting in the death of nine policemen. At least three rebels were also killed.

At least 20 rebels were killed in security operations in Dhading district. Security operations were launched in Dare Chowk due to reports that Maoist rebels had assembled in the area. Rebels also attacked a government office in Charikot and looted the building.

International SOS advises its members that essential business travel to Nepal may proceed, however travelers should exercise extra security precautions against the continuing threat of civil unrest and violence. In addition, foreigners should be aware of current logistical problems including a shortage of hotel rooms and private transport.

Azerbaijan - March 21, 2006 - Seven human bird flu cases confirmed
The World Health Organization began investigating a cluster of 11 people in Azerbaijan with suspected bird flu in early March. Of the 11 samples tested, seven have been positive for avian flu. Five of the seven patients died. One, a 21-year-old woman who died on March 9, lived in the western rayon (district) of Tarter. The other six confirmed patients were from the southeastern rayon of Salyan. They all lived in the small Daikyand settlement.

Three of the four Daikyand patients that died, on March 10, were cousins ranging in age from 16 to 20. They comprised two girls and one boy. The fourth patient was a 17-year-old family friend who died on March 8. The source of their infections is being investigated. There is some speculation that the victims may have collected bird carcasses for feathers; this chore is typically assigned to young women ages 15-20. 

The other two patients from Daikyand were a 10-year-old boy, who recovered, and a 15-year-old girl who remains hospitalized in critical condition. House-to-house surveillance for people with symptoms continues in Salyan and Tarter. 

Avian influenza A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry in an increasing number of countries. At least 22 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have reported their first cases among birds since the beginning of 2006. For further information, see the International SOS Pandemic Preparedness Website. There, you can access the latest news, detailed information on flu-affected countries and pandemic preparedness planning information.

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