internationalsos.com - Press releases
International SOS Monitors Riots in France and Avian Flu in Indonesia08 November 2005Philadelphia International SOS, the world's leading provider of medical assistance, international healthcare, security services 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. France - November 7, 2005 - Riots Continue and Expand Across the Country With each passing night rioting has been observed in more places throughout France. What was once a string of isolated incidents in the Paris suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois has expanded to at least 300 towns throughout France. Towns such as Toulouse, Toulon, Blois, Quimper, Strasbourg, and Draguignan have all experienced incidents of rioting and low-level violence. The initial catalyst for the rioting appears to have been the deaths of two teenage boys in the Clichy-sous-Bois suburb of Paris, a run-down area predominantly populated by African and Arab immigrant communities. Despite repeated police denials, the local population clearly believed that the teenagers were electrocuted in an electrical sub-station while fleeing police pursuers. International SOS assesses that further unrest is highly likely in France and that there is a distinct possibility that rioting may spread to other European countries. Members are advised to avoid all areas where unrest is known to occur and to seek local advice from police or hotel staff if concerned. Peru- November 7, 2005- Demonstrations in Lima Following Arrest of Former President International SOS advises its members that travel to Peru may proceed. While at this time foreign visitors face no specific risk from these protests, travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations even if they appear peaceful. Indonesia – November 5, 2005 - Two cases of Avian Flu Confirmed There are now nine confirmed cases of avian flu in Indonesia, five of which have been fatal. 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. 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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