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International SOS Monitors Aftermath of Attacks in New Delhi and Avian Flu in Thailand

India - October 31, 2005 - Investigation into New Delhi Attack Continues
Police continue to search for clues in the October 29 terrorist attacks in the capital, New Delhi. The attacks occurred within minutes of each other at two crowded markets and on a bus, killing at least 59 people and wounding more than 200 others. A little-known group calling itself Islami Inqilabi Mahaz (Islamic Revolutionary Group), claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, authorities suspect the Pakistan-based Islamic radical group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is responsible for the series of blasts. Security throughout India is likely to be increased as the country prepares to celebrate two major festivals this week, the Hindu festival Diwali, and the Muslim festival of Eid. Islamic militant groups are assessed to be capable of carrying out attacks in India. Militant groups have been responsible for a number of high-profile attacks in New Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta).

International SOS advises its Members that travel to India can proceed, with individuals using caution and remaining vigilant in public places, especially during the upcoming festivals. However, avoid travel to areas affected by the insurgencies including the northeast states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura, and rural districts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Mhadya Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Thailand - October 31, 2005 - Human case of Avian Flu Confirmed
A 50-year-old woman has become Thailand's 20th confirmed human case of H5N1 avian flu. She apparently contracted the disease while helping her husband clean a farm in Nonthaburi, a province just north of Bangkok. Birds on the farm had been ill. She was hospitalized on October 29 and is reportedly recovering. Her husband is healthy but has been quarantined as a precaution.

Avian influenza A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry in an increasing number of countries. Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Romania, Russia and China have all reported outbreaks in October 2005.  The information available to date indicates that the avian influenza virus has not yet acquired the ability to pass easily from person to person. 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. 

Iran – November 2, 2005 - British Commercial Offices Targeted
Thousands of people marched through Tehran burning Israeli and US flags, marking the anniversary of the takeover of the US Embassy in 1979. The annual event was held two days early in order to avoid clashing with the conclusion of Ramadan and the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Also today, a small explosive device exploded in a building housing the offices of British Airways (BA) and British Petroleum (BP) in Tehran. The explosion caused only slight damage and there were no injuries.

Separately, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has recalled diplomatic representatives from around the world. Those recalled are generally perceived to be moderates and were involved in talks regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Reports indicate that the anniversary march had its highest turnout in years, almost certainly a reflection of the hard-line regime that came to power in June. Those ambassadors who have been recalled are likely to be replaced with less moderate successors.

International SOS advises that travel to Iran can continue at this time, although British and American citizens in particular are advised to keep a low profile. Pay close attention to areas surrounding Western embassies. Visitors and expatriates are advised to avoid gatherings of religious or other demonstrations, especially in Tehran, Mashhad and Qom. International SOS members finding themselves in close proximity to a protest or other civil disturbance should move immediately from the area to a safer location, such as a police station or an international hotel.

India - October 28 - Flood-related Health Risks in Southeastern India
A low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has caused severe rain and flooding in the southeastern India. About 100 people have reportedly died in the Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states due to the disaster. In Bangalore, one of India's main technological centers, three lakes have breeched their banks. The city of Chennai (Madras) has also suffered from the torrential rains and heavy flooding. Flights in and out of the area have been delayed or cancelled, and the government offices were closed. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated.

While so far no disease outbreaks have been reported in these areas, there are many standard health concerns associated with flooding. International SOS advises that travel to affected areas can continue however travelers should avoid unsanitary areas. Also travelers should avoid coastal areas until the flooding abates and limit unnecessary travel within the region.

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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