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High Alert in Mumbai after Bombings; Avian Flu in Spain

12 July 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.

India- July 12, 2006-  High Alert After Mumbai Blasts

Indian authorities have declared a high alert across the country following high-powered bomb explosions on commuter trains in the financial capital, Mumbai, on Tuesday evening. Vital installations such as airports and railways stations were placed on red alert as a precaution against further attacks. Western Railway train services resumed today and the Mumbai city government deployed additional buses to service commuters. Increased security checks in the city are causing further traffic delays.

The death toll from the bombings on eight commuter trains in western Mumbai has increased to approximately 170 with more than 500 injured. There were no reports of foreign casualties. According to reports, the blasts occurred in the first class compartments of suburban trains and on platforms in stations of the Western Railway Line between 1800 and 1900. The bombings occurred in Matunga, Mahim, Khar, Jogeshwari, Borivali, and Bhayandari.

Mumbai has experienced episodic acts of terrorism over the past 15 years. Many of the bombings have been blamed on Islamic militants linked to the insurgency in the disputed region of Kashmir. Yesterday's coordinated bombings were the second worst terrorist attacks in the city since the 1990s. The sites and the timing of the attacks indicate that the bombings targeted the local population and did not reflect intent to target foreigners. In the meantime, ongoing investigation into the attacks are likely to result in further traffic disruptions in western Mumbai within the next 48 hours, which requires a review of local travel itineraries in the near-term.

International SOS advises members that travel to India, including Mumbai, can proceed.  Travelers in Mumbai are advised to avoid areas in the western section of the city, which were affected by the explosions and continue to be closed off due to ongoing police investigations.  Members are advised to exercise extra security precautions against the continuing threat of terrorism by minimizing non-essential movement in Mumbai during the next 48 hours. For more information on the situation in India, please contact International SOS Singapore at +65 6338 7800.
 

Venezuela- July 11, 2006- Proof of vaccinations required for travel

Due to a recent outbreak of measles in Venezuela, the government issued a decree in April 2006 requiring all Venezuelan nationals and foreign residents to provide proof of vaccination before traveling to destinations outside the Americas. Although the measure is only intended for nationals and residents, all travelers should ensure their vaccinations are up to date and should carry proof of measles vaccination to prevent delays in their departure.

People unable to prove immunity may be vaccinated at departure points before being allowed to travel. The vaccine being used has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO), but has not been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Venezuela is experiencing its first outbreak of measles in four years. Cases had been reported in the Caracas area of Miranda state and in the capital district itself. Suspected cases have been reported in the states of Trujillo, Zulia and Nueva Esparta.

Venezuela's last measles outbreak infected about 2,500 people in 2002 and was seen as the last widespread endemic measles transmission in the Americas.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can have serious complications. It is spread by droplets coughed into the air as well as direct contact with the nasal and throat secretions of an infected person. Symptoms include fever, cough, conjunctivitis, rash and spots in the mouth (Koplik spots). Severe complications include pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The disease can have a high mortality rate among poor and malnourished children.

All travelers to Venezuela are advised to be immune to measles. Carry copies of your immunization record with your travel documents and provide them to authorities on request. If you are not immune or unsure of your immunity status, consider having a measles vaccination before traveling.

Spain- July 7, 2006- Report of first H5N1 infection in a bird
 
A wild migratory water bird found in the northern province of Alava tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. This discovery is not unexpected; experts predicted that the disease, which has been detected in birds in Italy and other EU nations, would eventually affected birds in Spain. Authorities have banned bird hunting and poultry movement within a 3 km zone around the site, and have established a 10 km surveillance zone as well in accordance with EU regulations. Birdowners in Madrid have already been ordered to keep their poultry enclosed, and other areas may enforce similar rules though many people in Spanish villages raise unregistered backyard flocks. 

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.

Medical and Security Alerts
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