internationalsos.com - Press releases
Bombings in Bangladesh and First Reported Human Cases of Avian Flu in China29 November 2005Philadelphia
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.
Bangladesh - 29 November - Bomb Explosions in Two Cities The first bomb exploded in a police outpost near a courthouse in the southern port city of Chittagong, killing three people and wounding 15 others. Reports indicate that the powerful explosion occurred at approximately 0900 local time. At least one of the fatalities was believed to be the suicide bomber. The second bomb also exploded near a courthouse in the southern city of Gazipur. It wounded 25 people, mostly lawyers working in the court complex. These incidents are likely to be blamed on Islamic militants who have been attacking courthouses and court officials as part of a campaign to demand the establishment of Islamic (Shariah) law in Bangladesh. Despite continued security operations against militants, further attacks are likely in the near- to medium-term. International SOS advises members that essential business travel to Bangladesh can proceed. Foreigners are advised to avoid locations that have been targeted by recent terrorist attacks such as government buildings and courthouses. Members are recommended to minimize time spent in locations that may become targets of attacks such as Western diplomatic missions. Contact International SOS for more information regarding travel precautions in Bangladesh. Honduras – 29 November - Preliminary Election Results Contested Thousands of Zelaya supporters took to the streets of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to celebrate, while ruling party backers protested outside the headquarters of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal in the capital. According to local reports, fears over possible clashes between the two groups prompted the military to go on alert. Some light clashes were reported between rival party members in El Triunfo (Choluteca province) yesterday. The weeks leading up to the 27 November election were marred by several violent clashes between rival political groups. A similar response is possible when the final results are released. It is likely that these results will lead to street demonstrations and further protests outside the headquarters of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Clashes between rival party supporters are possible. There is no indication that foreign persons or interests face any specific risk during these elections. Members are advised to avoid any demonstrations that may occur even if they appear peaceful. Contact International SOS for more information regarding travel precautions in Honduras. Southeast Asia – 26 November - Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Situation Updates In November, the World Health Organization has confirmed three cases of H5N1 avian flu in Indonesia. Two women, ages 16 and 20, died from the disease in Jakarta and a 16 year-old boy from West Java is being treated for avian flu. He is Indonesia's 12th human case. Seven of these cases have been fatal. In Thailand, the most recent infection occurred in Bangkok. A one-year-old boy was infected, hospitalized, and recovered in early November. Just before that, a 50-year-old woman became sick in Nonthaburi, a province just north of Bangkok. She was hospitalized in late October. In total, 21 Thai people have been infected with H5N1 and 13 have died. China reported its first human cases of avian flu this month. Three people were infected: two female poultry workers from Anhui province, ages 24 and 35, and a nine-year-old boy from Hunan province. Both women died, but the boy recovered. His 12-year-old sister had similar symptoms and died from her illness, which could not be confirmed as avian flu because testable specimens were not available. WHO has been invited to investigate the Anhui cases. No human cases have been reported in Cambodia since March 2005. All four of Cambodia's reported H5N1 cases died from the disease. Avian influenza A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry in an increasing number of countries. Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia and China all reported outbreaks in November 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. Medical and Security Alerts Members Non-members Journalists |
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