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Widespread disruption of public transport in France; Second Egyptian dies of bird flu

29 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 to warn them of security risks or medical problems they may encounter at their destinations or en route. The following is a sample of locations that may represent current security and medical risks for global travelers.

France - March 28, 2006 - France Protests Across the Country
Hundreds of thousands of people are participating in rallies across the country today to protest a new labor law focused on younger workers. The protests, in conjunction with a one-day labor strike, are causing extensive delays throughout France’s transportation system. The state run SNCF rail corporation said it is operating at approximately 50 percent of normal capacity. Disruptions in bus and underground rail service have also been reported in Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Strasbourg and Nancy. In addition, several air carriers and airports have warned of possible delays and cancellations due to the strike.

The French government has remained firm that it intends to support and enforce the new labor law. There is growing concern that continued protests in over 100 cities may result in sporadic violence and clashes between protestors and police, especially in major cities such as Paris. Additional police forces have been deployed in response to the protests surrounding the new law.

Although the strike is only scheduled for one day, the ramifications of the work stoppage on the French transportation system will likely be felt for several days.

International SOS members are advised that there is no requirement to defer travel to France at this time, although areas affected by protests should be avoided as there is a possibility of visitors being caught up in clashes between the police and protestors.

Chile - March 28, 2006 - Anniversary Protests May Spark Violence
Violent student protests are possible on March 29 to mark the anniversary of the "Day of the Young Combatant". The day is used to commemorate the killing of two youth activists by police in 1985.

On past anniversaries, thousands of people have taken to the streets of Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion and other major cities to protest the killings and the government's handling of the situation. Clashes often ensue with police, leaving dozens of people injured. Random acts of vandalism often occur. Low-powered bombings outside government offices and foreign-owned financial firms are also not uncommon.

During last year's protest march, seven people were injured and more than 48 others arrested. Clashes erupted with police as protestors launched Molotov cocktails, stones and homemade bombs. Similar disturbances occurred in Concepcion and Valparaiso.

International SOS members are advised to be alert for any suspicious objects or persons and to exercise caution in the vicinity of all financial institutions, both foreign and domestic, and government buildings.  Members are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations, even if they appear peaceful.

Egypt- March 29, 2006- Second Egyptian dies of avian flu, 5 total cases
Egypt's Ministry of Health has confirmed a second human fatality, as reported below on March 27. Like the first fatal case, the 30-year-old woman is from Qaliubiya. She was involved in slaughtering birds and became ill on March 12. She was hospitalized on March 16, and died March 27. In addition to the two fatal cases, a US Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU-3) has confirmed three other human infections. These have yet to be verified by independent WHO testing, which is underway. 

One patient was a 32-year-old farm worker. He was hospitalized on March 16, the day symptoms first appeared, and has recovered. Another patient is a 17-year-old boy whose father operates a bird farm in the Nile Delta governorate of Gharbiya. He became sick on March 18, was hospitalized on March 19, and has recovered. The third surviving patient is an 18-year-old woman from the governorate of Kafr El-Sheikh who had slaughtered backyard poultry. She was hospitalized on March 25.

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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