Three H1N1 Cases Reported in Oman

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu. 

The Omani Ministry of Health (MOH) reported three known incidences of H1N1 influenza in Oman on June 17, 2009.  According to the MOH, all three infected persons are Omanis who have recently returned from travel to the United States; they are under quarantine for seven days with their families.

According to an MOH official, the MOH has a surveillance program in place for influenza and influenza-like illnesses (ILI).  The Public Health Laboratories in Muscat and the regions of South Batina and Dhofar are collecting data on influenza and ILI on a monthly basis, while severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance is in place at government hospitals in Muscat, Dhofar, South Batina and South Sharqiya.  The MOH also reports that it has a stockpile of Tamiflu, a medicine commonly administered to influenza patients. 

The Ministry said that there are no mandatory clinic reporting requirements for travelers to Oman at this time.   Screening is underway at airports in Muscat and Salalah and consists of passengers filling out questionnaires regarding their points of entry and the countries they have visited en route to Oman.   Doctor and nurse teams are on-site to monitor and examine passengers, as necessary.  Oman has installed thermal scanning equipment at the airports. 

Health care facilities and providers throughout Oman are required to report suspected cases of H1N1 to the Director General of Health Services.  Designated quarantine centers will be utilized, if necessary.  The MOH says that Muscat’s Al Nahada Hospital and hospitals in other regions of Oman will all have designated ward space in the event of an outbreak of H1N1 in Oman.

The MOH has set up two hotlines to answer public inquiries, 9246-6642 and 9246-6422.

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

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 can be obtained from the Consular Section by e-mail.

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.  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.

Americans living or traveling in Oman are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. Registration with Embassies/Consulates is available at www.travel.state.gov under "International Travel for U.S. Citizens." Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. The Embassy's phone number is (968) 2464-3400. This new phone number is also for after-hours emergencies.  American citizens wishing to contact the Consular Section may do so via email at ConsularMuscat@state.gov or fax at (968) 2464-3535.

If you wish to speak directly to a consular staff member, please call the embassy phone number between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and follow the prompts. On a walk-in basis, American Citizen Services are available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street in the diplomatic area of Shatti al Qurum in the capital city of Muscat. American Citizen Service hours are: Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Embassy is closed on Omani and American holidays.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site at http://travel.state.gov <http://travel.state.gov/> , where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts <http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html> , as well as the Worldwide Caution <http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html> , can be found.  

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on 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).

Tracey Thornton

Consular Section Chief

U.S. Embassy Muscat