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Warden Message

H1N1 Influenza A - update - June 19, 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 response to the global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, on June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide alert level to Phase 6, indicating that a pandemic is under way.  While serious infections and a few deaths have been reported, most infections have been mild.
 
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has reported that as of June 17, 2009, 405 cases of H1N1 have been confirmed in Thailand and 922 people are under observation.  Local authorities in Thailand are using thermal scanners to monitor passengers arriving at international airports throughout Thailand and have quarantined travelers, including a few Americans, found to have elevated temperatures.

American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Thailand cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities, and cannot attempt to influence the terms or duration of quarantine.  Quarantines in Thailand, however, have generally been of short duration.
 
Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the U.S. Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website.  Please access http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html and click on “A Guide to Living and Working in Thailand” or email us at acsbkk@state.gov.

Please note that the U.S. Embassy is NOT advising Americans in Thailand to depart.  At this time the Embassy advises that Americans review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to remain in Thailand.

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for further safety information about H1N1 influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the following:

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada  or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok.  The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at ACSBKK@State.gov.  The after hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.