Philadelphia 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.
Australia – December 12 - Racial Violence in Sydney
On Sunday, a mob of approximately 5,000 young men attacked people of Middle Eastern decent at Cronulla beach in southern Sydney. The riot spread to suburbs overnight. At least 25 people were injured and at least 16 were arrested. The riot was apparently in retaliation for an attack on two volunteer lifeguards at Cronulla beach two weeks ago, allegedly by men of Middle Eastern descent.
The incident appears to be an isolated case of racial violence and does not suggest a continuing pattern of gang attacks against ethnic minorities in Sydney or other parts of the country. International SOS advises its members that travel to Australia may proceed. Be alert to government security warnings as a general security precaution. Harassment of ethnic minorities cannot be ruled out during periods of heightened racial tension.
United Kingdom - December 12 - Fuel Depot Still on Fire
Firefighters are continuing to extinguish a massive fire at the Buncefield fuel depot, near Hemel Hempstead. The depot, which stores oil, gasoline, and aviation fuel, has been on fire since early yesterday morning. Concerns about firefighting chemicals polluting the water table have delayed the operation to extinguish the fire. More than 40 people were injured as a result of the initial explosions and approximately 2,000 people were initially evacuated from the area. The M10 motorway remains closed and authorities have indicated that they may have to re-close the M1 motorway.
Hertfordshire’s chief fire officer has stated that it is not possible to predict how long it will take to extinguish the fire. Additional fire crews and supplies of special foam have been brought in from around the country. The cause of the initial explosion is not yet known, although the police have stated that there is nothing to suggest a terrorist link.
International SOS advises its members avoid the area and plan for additional travel time on affected roads. Doors and windows should be kept closed in areas near the fire.
China - December 12 - Violence During Labor
Protest Violence during a labor protest in southeastern China has caught international public attention, prompting the Chinese government on Sunday to order the arrest of the official responsible for the use of force against demonstrators. Over the weekend, reports indicated that Chinese security troops opened fire on thousands of protestors in Shanwei in the province of Guangdong last week. Security troops reportedly fired after demonstrators lobbed explosives at anti-riot police and police vehicles. Gunfire killed at least three people, although villagers suggest that there could have been more casualties.
International SOS advises its members that travel to China can proceed with special precautions taken when in rural provinces. Members should maintain a low profile and avoid becoming involved in local disputes.
China - December 09 - Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Situation Update
Two additional human infections were confirmed in China in early December, bringing the total infected up to five. Two of the patients have died.
China's first human cases of H5N1 infection were confirmed by the World Health Organization in November 2005. Two fatal cases were from Anhui province – two female poultry workers, ages 24 and 35 years old, died of the disease. A 9-year-old boy from Hunan survived the disease though his 12-year-old sister died of similar symptoms on October 17. However as samples from her body are unavailable, it is unlikely that her infection will ever be confirmed.
China continues to report outbreaks of the disease in birds, and provinces from Liaoning in the northeast to Xinjiang in the west have been affected. It is anticipated that increasing outbreaks in birds are likely to occur during the winter season, as the virus survives better in cooler weather. Although increased illness in birds does increase the risk of human infections, to date most - if not all - human patients have had contact with infected poultry.
Avian influenza A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry in an increasing number of countries. Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia and China all reported outbreaks in November 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. There, you can access the latest news, detailed information on flu-affected countries and pandemic preparedness planning information. 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.
