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 - January 10, 2006 - British Embassy Scheduled to Re-Open after Security Closing
The United Kingdom is planning to re-open its embassy in Amman after a temporary closure due to security concerns. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated that the embassy would re-open as normal on January 15, following the Muslim festival of Eid. British, Australian and Canadian Embassies all closed over the weekend due to security reports warning against attacks on Westerners and places frequented by Westerners. It is not yet known when the Australian and Canadian Embassies will re-open. The United States Embassy has remained open throughout. Security has been visibly increased at Western embassies.
Following the November attacks on the Days Inn, Radisson SAS and Grand Hyatt hotels, which killed 54 people; al-Qaeda in Iraq released a message warning of additional attacks in Jordan. This militant group, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for the November attacks.
International SOS advises members that travel to Jordan may proceed at this time. Travelers should maintain a heightened sense of awareness and avoid all government and military facilities.
Turkey - January 10, 2005 - Growing Confirmation of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Turkey
Turkey reported its first human cases on January 5, 2006. These were the first reported human cases outside of East Asia.
Within the first week of the year, a total of three children - ages 15, 14 and 11 - died from the disease, though the youngest child's infection remains unconfirmed. All three of those killed were siblings who lived in the rural, remote village of Dogubeyazit in the eastern province of Agri. The deceased and their six-year-old brother were hospitalized in Van province on January 1. The children had been in contact with sick birds.
As of January 7, 2005, a total of four cases of A/H5N1 has been confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition to the two teenaged siblings who died, two other children have been hospitalized with the disease. The patients are five and eight years old and, like the teens, come from Dogubeyazit.
As many as 15 people have tested positive for avian flu in Turkey. These have been scattered throughout the country, including in capital city Ankara and the north central regions of Kastamonu, Corum and Samsum. The most recent case was reported in the central city of Sivas. Although WHO has not confirmed these test results, the agency expects most or all of these infections will be verified by further testing.
There is no evidence that the disease is being passed easily between humans. Russia has advised against travel to Turkey. WHO and CDC advise against high-risk activities in affected countries. Iran has closed its border crossing into eastern Turkey.
Avian influenza A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry in an increasing number of countries. Ukraine, Romania, China, Turkey, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand all reported outbreaks in December 2005. 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.
China - January 9, 2005 - New Toxic Spill Threatens Cities in Hunan Province
A new toxic spill is threatening to contaminate the water supply of the cities of Changsha and Xiangtan in southeastern China. The toxic spill originated from China's largest zinc smelter during a silt-cleaning project that was initiated without official approval. Reports indicate that the toxic spill, the third in China since November 2005, has flooded into the Xiangjiang river in the Hunan province.
International SOS members are advised to review near-term travel plans to Changsha and Xiangtan until the local situation has stabilized. If travel is necessary, members must ensure an adequate supply of safe drinking water for the duration of their stay.
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.
Members
All International SOS Security Members are able to access specific travel-related advice related to this news feature. Please log onto the members' website
Non-members
If you are not an International SOS member but would like to know more about the medical and security help and advice we provide to international travelers and expatriates, click here.
Journalists
If you are a journalist and would like to speak to one of our Medical or Security experts, please contact one of our regional press contacts.
