May 20, 2009. Government Warning Issued for Iraq
| SOURCE: | Air Security International |
On 19 May 2009 the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a Warden Message that reads as follows: "This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu, including precautions the Iraq Ministry of Health is taking to mitigate introduction of H1N1 Influenza into Iraq."
"As of May 12, 2009, there are no reported cases of H1N1 in Iraq. The Iraq Ministry of Health has implemented screening procedures for travelers arriving at all six Iraqi airports and all official ports of entry. Health officials are checking for flu-like symptoms, including elevated temperatures, administering rapid tests for influenza type A, and H1N1 confirmation tests for those testing positive for influenza type A. All travelers, except those holding U.S. diplomatic passports, will be isolated until the results of H1N1 confirmatory test are received by the Ministry of Health. U.S. citizens traveling through Kuwait, Jordan or other countries are recommended to consult the Department of State Consular website, http://www.travel.state.gov, for the latest H1N1 screening procedures."
"Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors located in Iraq can be found on our website at http://iraq.usembassy.gov/medical_care.html. For further information about H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html, 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. For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at http://www.travel.state.gov."
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