Warden Notice
U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Warden Message – H1N1 Update
August 6, 2009
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1. In light of the first case of the 2009-HIN1 influenza virus and subsequent reported cases in Tanzania, the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam is issuing an update of the previous Warden message dated July 9, 2009.
The first confirmed case of 2009-H1N1 infection in Tanzania was tested at the Muhimbili National Hospital laboratory in Dar es Salaam and publicly confirmed on July 9, 2009. Since then, the Tanzanian authorities have discovered several additional cases. Individuals who have tested positive with 2009-H1N1 have been quarantined for several days at Muhimbili National Hospital in accordance with directives set forth by the Ministry of Health. The U.S. Embassy encourages all American citizens to cooperate with local health authorities and to contact their medical professionals regarding questions or concerns about 2009-H1N1 influenza or other illnesses.
The Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public. A list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://tanzania.usembassy.gov/medical_assistance.html.
Currently, the Government of Tanzania is screening international travelers for 2009-HIN1at Kilimanjaro, Julius Nyerere (Dar) and Zanzibar Airports. Arriving passengers may be asked about flu symptoms, contact with people experiencing flu symptoms, and point of embarkation. We urge arriving travelers to cooperate fully with local authorities.
There are no restrictions on travel to the United States at this time.
For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department’s “Pandemic/Avian Influenza” and “Remain in Country” fact sheets on http://www.travel.state.gov/. Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Americans living or traveling in Tanzania are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Tanzania. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania can be contacted by telephone [255] (22) 266-8001 x 4122 and fax [255] (22) 266-8238.You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania via email at drsacs@state.gov. For after hours emergencies U.S. citizens should call [255] (22) 266-8001.