Warden Message --- H1N1 Influenza (Formerly Swine Flu)

The Acting Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has declared a Public Health Emergency in the United States as a result of confirmed human cases of H1N1 Influenza in California, Texas, Kansas, New York and Ohio. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of confirmed human cases in Israel, Mexico and Canada. There are unconfirmed reports of H1N1 Influenza cases in other countries. H1N1 Influenza (commonly known as swine flu) is different from H5N1 (commonly known as avian flu).

Many countries— including Oman, where there have been no confirmed cases of H1N1—are taking preventive measures.  Some countries have discussed possible travel restrictions on those coming from or going to affected countries.

In light of the declaration of a Public Health Emergency by HHS, we would like all Americans traveling or living in Oman to be aware of the latest information on H1N1 Influenza and to be mindful of possible travel restrictions.  Please consult the Department of State information on H1N1 Influenza at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html, the United States Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html or WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean website at http://www.emro.who.int/index.asp

Remember when any flu virus is circulating you are encouraged to follow the everyday actions listed below that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the influenza illness.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue after use in the garbage; it may prevent others from catching your illness.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water and the use of alcohol based hand sanitizers will help protect you from germs.
• Seek appropriate treatment promptly if you have flu -like symptoms and have an adequate supply of water and food in case you need to stay in place for several days. (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/takingcare.pdf )

Additionally while most of the attention these days is on H1N1 Influenza, many of Oman’s neighbors have had several confirmed cases of Avian Flu this year. As such, we recommend avoiding close contact with poultry (dead or alive), areas where poultry is slaughtered, poultry by products and poultry droppings. There is nothing wrong with eating poultry, fresh or frozen, as long as it is thoroughly cooked (the cooking temperature for poultry meat should be 74 degrees Centigrade (165 degrees Fahrenheit).

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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 am to 12:30 pm.  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).