internationalsos.com - Press releases
International SOS Monitors Protests in Jordan and Avian Flu in Southeast Asia16 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. Jordan - November 14, 2005 - Further Protests Over Attacks The al-Qaeda group in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attacks on an Islamic website. The group is led by the Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who has previously threatened the country as a result of its close links with the US and the West. While there are elements within the Jordanian population sympathetic to al-Qaeda, the attacks are proving to be remarkably unpopular throughout the country. Most of the victims of the bombings were Jordanian. International SOS advises its members that travel to Jordan may proceed. However, individuals should avoid all protests and demonstrations, even if they appear peaceful. If staying at Western hotels, members should contact International SOS for information on special considerations in hotel reservations. Kenya - November 14, 2005 - More Killed in Violence Ahead of Referendum There have been threats of unrest and violence planned for the referendum when Kenyans will vote to approve or reject the proposed new constitution. It is the first complete overhaul of a charter drawn up on the eve of independence from the UK in 1963. The number of violent incidents related to the 21 November constitutional referendum is increasing steadily. The disagreement over the proposed changes to the constitution has splintered the Kenyan government. In recent months, there have been numerous violent clashes between police and protestors and between pro- and anti-constitution groups. Activities such as rioting, looting, and violent assault usually accompany the protests regarding changes to the constitution. International SOS advises that travel to Kenya can proceed at this time. However, members are advised to avoid all political rallies and demonstrations even if they appear peaceful in nature. International SOS members are advised to monitor local media in order to stay alert to any particularly sensitive areas in the northeast, northwest and the Rift Valley. Indonesia, Vietnam, China – November 14, 2005 - More Suspected Human Cases of Avian Flu Reported In Vietnam, two additional suspected cases of avian flu have been reported. One is a student who ate chicken eggs, the other a 78-year-old woman who died from pneumonia. The woman died in the central province of Quang Binh on November 11. Both are being tested for the disease. In China, a female poultry worker who has unidentified pneumonia is a suspected case. She works in the northeastern province of Liaoning, where millions of birds have been culled due to the disease. Three other suspected human cases in China remain under investigation: a 12-year-old girl died, her 9-year-old brother recovered, and a 36-year-old schoolteacher remains ill. Avian influenza A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry in an increasing number of countries. Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Romania, Russia and China 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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