Warden Message: Angola H1N1 Influenza Update

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Luanda released the following Warden Message on September 3:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu, Pandemic H1N1, or Novel H1N1.  As of September 3, 2009, the Angolan Ministry of Health has reported eleven confirmed cases of 2009- H1N1 Influenza in Angola.  Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of prevention, and have launched a public prevention campaign including mass media and distribution of information and education materials.

Information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.

Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://angola.usembassy.gov.

The Embassy advises Americans to review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, at the websites cited above, in making decisions on how best to protect yourself and your family.  Please note that the Embassy is NOT advising Americans in Angola to depart. 

American citizens should be aware that U.S. Embassy Luanda cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities. 

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 www.travel.state.gov. 

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 Angola are encouraged to register with U.S. Embassy Luanda or 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 Angola.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy Luanda.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy Luanda is located at Rua Houari Boumedienne, 32, tel. (244) 222-641-000, (244) 222-445-481, 222-445-727, 222-446-096; fax (244) 222-641-259; emergency after-hour phone number 923-404209, consularluanda@state.gov and website at http://angola.usembassy.gov.