Warden Message
May 13, 2003
THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE
TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS
MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.
THANK YOU.
The US Department of State issued the following Public Announcement
on May 12, 2003.
This Public Announcement updates information on medical evacuation
of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)- affected individuals,
and notes curtailment of some commercial air travel into and out
of affected countries and potential restrictions on travel of
SARS patients. This supersedes the Public Announcement issued
on April 24, 2003, and expires on September 07, 2003.
This Public Announcement reminds Americans that the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a number of travel
advisories for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which
are being posted on its web site (www.cdc.gov). Health alert notices
are being distributed at U.S. airports to people arriving from
SARS- affected areas. Americans planning travel to SARS-affected
areas should monitor the CDC's web site for the latest information.
In addition, Americans should be aware that some countries may
bar entry to or quarantine travelers arriving from SARS-affected
areas. Should a U.S. Mission in a country become aware of such
entry restrictions, it may advise U.S. government employees to
postpone non- essential travel to that country. This information
would also be posted with the consular information sheet for that
country on our web site, travel.state.gov, or travelers can contact
our information line at 1-888-407- 4747.
Prospective parents of adoptees in SARS-affected countries should
consult the appropriate link on adoptions at the CDC website,
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/adoption.htm. The CDC and the World Health
Organization (WHO) are tracking SARS's origin and method of transmission
as well as determining how its spread can be contained. SARS has
severely taxed health care systems in affected countries; neighboring
countries have curtailed flights in and out of affected locations
and blocked transfer of SARS patients for medical care.
In light of the continually evolving nature of the geographic
spread of SARS, American citizens should regularly consult the
CDC's website (www.cdc.gov) and the WHO's website (www.who.int)
for updates. Strong efforts are being made to contain SARS. Some
countries have implemented measures such as mandatory screening
of incoming passengers at airports, and persons with SARS-like
symptoms may be quarantined and/or sent to designated hospitals
until the authorities are satisfied they do not have SARS. Medical
evacuation of SARS patients remains problematic. Securing transport
and locating a destination willing to accept such patients is
difficult, if not impossible. Since medical evacuation possibilities
may change, family members of SARS patients may wish to consult
with the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate General for the latest
information.
Contact Information for the CDC: Public Inquiries: English (888)
246-2675 Spanish (888) 246-2857 TTY (866) 874-2646 Mon-Fri 8am-11pm
EST Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST Address: The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333 USA(404) 639-3311
American citizens currently in or planning to travel to SARS-affected
areas should also consult the Consular Information Sheets for
these countries available at the Consular Affairs web site at
http://travel.state.gov.
American citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free
at 1-888-407-4747, or, if calling from overseas, 317-472-2328,
for information.
