January 18, 2006
| Warden Message: HOW YOU CAN PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES, INCLUDING AVIAN INFLUENZA |
Romanian authorities have reinforced measures to prevent the spread of AI in this country. No human cases of AI have been reported in Romania. However, some locations remain under quarantine and local health officials continue to cull poultry, disinfect vehicles and property and take other preventive actions in areas where the virus has been detected. American citizens are advised to avoid any areas where the Romanian government has detected avian influenza, consulting the local media for updated information on affected areas.
In light of human deaths and illnesses in Turkey in recent weeks due to Avian Influenza (AI) caused by the H5N1 virus, the U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Romania to review information about AI, including suggested precautions, on the U.S. Department of State’s “Avian Flu Fact Sheet,” at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html . The State Department website includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s), and links to websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
American citizens are urged to make their own preparations for emergencies that could occur in Romania. Besides the possibility of a global pandemic of avian flu, earthquakes, severe winter weather or terrorist acts could disrupt public services for extended periods. The American Embassy or Romanian Government would not be able to provide food, water, medicines or other needs of private citizens. It may be possible that a response to a pandemic would include imposing public health measures that restrict domestic and international movement, further limiting the U.S. Government’s ability to assist Americans in the country. Guidance on how private citizens can prepare for a “stay in place” response or a variety of other emergencies is available on the websites of the CDC, the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (http://www.fema.gov) and http://pandemicflu.gov/ websites.
A specific vaccine for humans that is effective in preventing avian influenza is not yet available. Based upon limited data, the CDC has suggested that the anti-viral medication Oseltamivir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be effective in treating people who are infected with H5N1. Because the U.S. Government cannot provide medication to private U.S. citizens abroad, the Embassy encourages American citizens traveling or living in Romania to consult with their private physician about obtaining Tamiflu prior to travel, or whether Tamiflu is readily available to them in this country.
The Embassy encourages Americans in Romania to register with the Embassy in Bucharest. Registration may be done on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov. Information on registration procedures, all security-related Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, and recent Embassy warden messages are posted on the Embassy's website at: http://bucharest.usembassy.gov
The Embassy is located at 7-9 Str. Tudor Arghezi, Bucharest, Romania. During regular business hours you may contact the Embassy American Citizens Services office at 021-316-4052, or by email at acsbucharest@state.gov . The emergency after-hours telephone number is 021-319-4106.