WARDEN INFORMATION
Embassy Ankara Warden Message 17
October 20, 2005
The State Department recently released this Fact Sheet on Avian Influenza. It contains no information specific to Turkey. Most of the information was included in Embassy Warden Message 16 dated October 13, 2005.
1. This Fact Sheet alerts Americans to the most recent occurrences of Influenza A H5N1 (avian influenza strain) in Asia. A number of countries are reporting cases of avian
influenza, commonly referred to as "bird flu" in their domestic and wild bird populations. The H5N1 strain of influenza causes severe disease in domesticated fowl. In addition, there are confirmed cases of bird-to-human transmissions of avian influenza in the South East Asia region, many of which have resulted in death. Please visit the WHO website,
<http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/en/for> the most up to date information on the countries affected and the number of deaths.
2. The vast majority of the known human cases have resulted from direct contact with poultry, and there is only limited evidence to suggest possible human-to-human transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department are concerned about the potential for human-to-human transmission of this highly dangerous flu strain,
and are working closely with other partners in an effort to monitor the outbreak.
3. Concerns about the possibility of an avian influenza pandemic have prompted international and national efforts to institute pandemic preparedness measures. In keeping with the CDC and the WHO guidance, the Department of State is working with its embassies and consulates worldwide to
prepare in the event of a pandemic. American citizens traveling to or living in countries where avian influenza is prevalent should consider the potential risks and keep informed of the latest medical guidance and information in order to make appropriate plans.
4. The Department, the CDC and the WHO have not issued any travel alerts or warnings for avian flu-infected areas. However, the CDC advises travelers to countries in Asia with documented H5N1 outbreaks to avoid poultry farms,contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces
that appear to be contaminated with feces or fluids from poultry or other animals. In addition, the Department has asked its embassies and consulates to consider preparedness measures that take into consideration the fact that travelinto or out of a country may not be possible, safe or medically advisable. Specific CDC travel information relating to avian influenza, including preventive measures is available at
<http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm.WHO> guidance related to avian influenza is available at
<http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/>.
5. A specific vaccine for humans that is effective against avian influenza has not yet been developed. Based upon limited data, the CDC has suggested that the anti-viral medication Oseltamavir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be effective in preventing or treating avian influenza. Using
this input, the Department of State has decided to pre-position the drug Tamiflu at its Embassies and Consulates worldwide, for eligible U.S. Government employees and their families serving abroad. Tamiflu may not be readily available overseas and the State Department encourages American citizens traveling or living abroad that are interested in obtaining this medication to consult with their physician. There is no provision for the U.S. government to provide American citizens traveling or living abroad with medications, including in the event of a pandemic.
6. Americans who are planning travel to a country that has reported the virus or who are concerned about the Avian flu are advised to monitor the CDC and the WHO web sites for the latest information.
7. Additional country information can be obtained from the Department of State's Consular Information Sheets at <http://travel.state.gov> and from the Department of State's toll-free number, 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 202-501-4444.
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131. The Internet address is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's website http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: 90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, web site at http://adana.usconsulate.gov
CDC Contact Information:
8. Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST
Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA (404) 639-3311
WHO Liaison Office in Washington, DC
Contact Information:
Telephone: (202) 331-9081
Facsimile: (202) 331-9097
Address:
WHO Liaison Office
1775 K Street, N.W., Suite 430
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
