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.
Northern Africa- April 12, 2007-Regional Threats Increase Following Latest Events in Morocco and Algeria
Enhanced security measures, including the set up of highway checkpoints, came into effect in the Algerian capital, Algiers, in the wake of the coordinated bomb blasts on April 11 that killed 33 people and wounded 222 others. The latest attacks were the deadliest to strike Algeria since 2002, when a bomb in a suburban market killed 38 people and injured 80 others.
As a result of the April 11 attack, Western countries curtailed embassy services and issued advisories warning its citizens. The US Embassy in Algiers on April 11 issued a warden message advising its staff to restrict their movements over the weekend, while the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised travelers to limit their movement in Algiers. Reports indicate that al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (QIM) claimed responsibility for the twin blasts, in a statement posted on the internet. While investigations are underway, no suspects have been officially identified so far.
Algeria's neighbors, specifically Morocco and Tunisia, have also recently witnessed a rise in terror activity. In Tunisia, at least 14 people were killed in clashes between Islamic extremists and security forces last January. More recently, at least 24 suspects, alleged to be members of QIM, were arrested by security forces.
Separately on April 12, Moroccan security forces arrested a man suspected of conducting a suicide bombing attack in Casablanca, the same area where three bombs exploded on April 11. Earlier, authorities raised the security alert across Morocco, as they continued their search for 10 potential suicide bombers in Casablanca.
Travel to the region can proceed at this stage, although members are advised to exercise a high degree of security awareness and to minimize time spent in public places and areas known to be frequented by foreigners. Travelers should also be prepared for a high security presence and should carry identification with them at all times. For more information on this situation, please contact your nearest International SOS alarm center
Cambodia- April 12, 2007- Cambodia reports outbreak among birds
Cambodia hasn't reported H5N1 among its birds since September 2006. However, following the death of a Cambodian teenager from Kampong Cham province from bird flu, investigators found infected birds in the area. Five backyard farms in a single village found the disease among their flocks. Authorities are concerned when human cases precede reports of illness among birds, as it can indicate lapsed or inadequate disease surveillance. Ideally, sick flocks are identified before any humans have contact with infected birds. That way, precautions can be taken to prevent human infections.
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
International SOS alerts are compiled through numerous resources including physicians and security experts on the ground in 48 countries, and individuals coordinating information from a broad range of resources, including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and the US State Department.
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