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Heavy rains flood Mozambique; Avian Flu infects poultry in South Korea11 January 2007Philadelphia
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.
January 9, 2007- Mozambique- Heavy Rains Kill Nine and Displace Thousands Sources indicate that heavy rains are continuing in much of central and northern Mozambique, as well as in the neighboring countries of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, leading to fears of flooding in some of the main river valleys. Reports also indicate that there is flooding along the Lucite River in Manica province. Authorities have warned of a sharp rise in the level of the Licungo River in the Zambezia province, and urged people living downstream from the town of Mocuba to keep on the alert for possible flooding. January 2, 2007-South Korea- Avian flu outbreak among domestic birds Days later, a second farm about 3 km (1.9 mi) away also reported H5N1 among its flock. It was determined that the disease may have spread between the farms via contaminated vehicles. Authorities culled around 700,000 birds in the area as well as some dogs, cats and pigs. In early December, a third farm reported H5N1 among its birds. The facility is in Gimjae, which lies about 18 km (11 mi) away from the other two affected farms in Iksan. Despite containment efforts, a fourth farm was infected in late December. Unlike the other three, it is not in North Cholla province but in the Asan area of South Chungcheong province. Authorities culled about 21,150 ducks, 2,800 chickens and 4,177 pigs in the Asan area to keep the disease from spreading. The affected farm is only about 90 km (55 mi) from Seoul. South Korea was one of the first countries to report avian flu H5N1, in December 2003. By mid-2004 the outbreaks had been controlled. The nation declared itself flu-free and had filed a final report with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in September 2004. 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 more information about Avian Flu, please contact your nearest International SOS alarm center. Medical and Security Alerts Members |
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