internationalsos.com - Press releases
Firefights in Jordan; Swiss Officials Consider Affected Birds H5N1-positive03 May 2006Philadelphia
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.
Jordan - May 2, 2006 - Firefights in Sidon A second exchange of fire took place approximately three hours later causing minor damage to local homes, stores and vehicles, resulting in a power interruption. Ain el-Hilweh, home to approximately 75,000 Palestinian refugees, has been the scene of frequent bombings, assassinations and shootings among rival Palestinian factions. The camp is also believed to house many fugitives wanted by Lebanese authorities. The Lebanese army has checkpoints outside the camp, although its troops do not enter. The Taamir area is home to members of various Palestinian and Lebanese political factions and military groups that regularly have armed clashes in the streets. Travel to Lebanon can proceed at this time. International SOS members should minimize time spent in the vicinity of government buildings, political party offices and Palestinian camps and to avoid all demonstrations. Borders between Lebanon and Israel should also be avoided. For more information on the security situation in Lebanon, please contact the International SOS 24-hour Regional Security Centers in London or Paris at +44 (0) 208 762 8008 (London), or +33 (0) 1 5563 3155 (Paris). Angola - May 01, 2006 - Cholera Outbreak in Capital, Other ProvincesA cholera outbreak that began in the Boavista district of Luanda has spread to several other provinces, including Bengo, Beguela, Kwanza Norte, Kwanza Sul, Malanje and possibly Uije. About 900 people have died in the outbreak, which has sickened over 2,000, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). WHO confirmed the fatality count at 570 a week prior to the MSF assessment. The outbreak has been attributed to insufficient sanitation and an accidental sewage pipe rupture. Recent heavy rains have also exacerbated the problem. Officials established a treatment center in Boavista and set up shelters to isolate sick people. They are also delivering potable water to the area and have advised residents about safe water and hygiene habits. An injected cholera vaccine is available in many countries but is rarely recommended; immunity is unreliable and may only last a few months. This vaccine is no longer available in the United States. Two more effective oral vaccines are available in an increasing number of countries, including Canada and a number of European nations. One is an oral live vaccine used specifically against cholera. Please contact International SOS for more information on the prevention of cholera and advice for travel to infected areas. Switzerland - May 2, 2006 - Officials Announce that all Flu-affected Birds are Considered H5N1 Positive 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. Medical and Security Alerts Members |
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