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Protests Slow Air Travel in Brazil; More Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Flu in Indonesia

06 November 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.

November 2, 2006 - Brazil - Protest Activity Slows Air Travel

Protest activity carried out by Brazilian air traffic controllers in the country last Wednesday caused severe travel delays and the cancellation of some domestic flights. By engaging in a "work-to-rule" campaign, air traffic controllers stringently followed regulations, resulting in delays across the country. Due to the situation, Brazilian government officials implemented emergency measures to secure safety in the air, grounding many private jets from traveling at several local airports.
 
Despite the emergency measures implemented by the government, which included opening additional air traffic lanes over the Atlantic Ocean, travelers across Brazil continue to experience travel delays on average over two hours long. In addition to the cancellation of several domestic flights, many international flights have been delayed as well.

International SOS members are advised that travel to Brazil can proceed. However, travelers are advised to check with their airline for flight availability and possible delays prior to scheduled departure. For more information on the situation in Brazil, please contact your nearest alarm center.

November 3, 2006 - Indonesia - More Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Flu

Indonesia continues to experience sporadic human infections of avian flu. Three confirmed infections occurred in October, all of which were fatal. A 67-year-old woman from West Java died on October 15, an 11-year-old boy died on October 14, and a 27-year-old woman from Central Java died on October 13.

Indonesia has now surpassed Vietnam as the nation with the most confirmed avian flu deaths since 2003. Since its first human case occurred in 2005, Indonesia has reported a total of 72 infections, 55 of which were fatal.

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.

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