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Geology team kidnapped in Colombia; 25th human case of avian flu in Egypt

16 March 2007

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.

March 15, 2007, Colombia, Eighteen Member Geology Team Kidnapped
On March 13, 18 employees of a mining services company from the western Choco province were kidnapped at gunpoint by members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The group was taken near the town of Bete, a 20 minute river boat ride from Quibdo, the capital of the Choco province.

Latest media reports indicate that nine of the 18 abducted mining employees have been released. The release was confirmed by Colombia's defense minister.

The victims are employees of a private company and were engaged in prospecting for gold in the region. At this moment, information on the nationalities of those abducted remains unclear.

The FARC is fighting a four-decade old war, mainly funded by ransom for kidnapping and the cocaine trade. Incidents of kidnapping carried out by the FARC and other criminal elements in the country presents a high threat in the country. International SOS advises that travel to Colombia may proceed; however, members are advised against traveling to rural areas.  Individuals traveling to Colombia should exercise extreme vigilance and maintain a low profile.  For more information on travel in Colombia, please contact your nearest alarm center.

March 15, 2007, Egypt, 25th Human Case in Egypt
A 10-year-old girl from an urban area in the Aswan governorate was hospitalized a few days ago and tested positive for H5N1 avian flu. She is being treated with Tamiflu® and is in stable condition. Her family is under observation; none have yet shown symptoms. Egypt has reported 25 human cases of A/H5N1,13 of which have been fatal.

Since January 2004, International SOS has had a team of medical experts tracking the spread of Avian Flu A/H5N1, researching the developing body of knowledge, and developing products and services to assist clients. Please visit our Pandemic Preparedness website to learn more about avian flu and how we can help your company with pandemic planning.

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