u.s. citizen services
Warden Message: H1N1 Flu Update
June 12, 2009
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 Influenza A. Yesterday the World Health Organization (WHO) changed the H1N1 outbreak to a Phase 6. This change officially means that the virus is spreading across the globe, but does not imply that the virus has increased in severity.
There have been 2 cases of confirmed H1N1 in Bulgaria, with both individuals having mild disease and recovering completely. Neither person lived in Sofia. You should continue common sense practices for your health:
• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap regularly.
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze
• If you are sick, seek the advice of a health care practitioner.
• Stay home until you recover.
For further information about H1N1 flu, 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_4493.html, the United States Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, 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.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Americans living or traveling in Bulgaria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Bulgaria. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 16, Kozyak St., Sofia1407; tel.: (+359 2) 937-5100; fax (+359 2) 937-5209; web site: http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/