warden messages
Aug 09 H1N1 Flu Update
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza A, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or “swine flu.” The Bulgarian government has reported 51 cases and no deaths. Globally there have been approximately 215,000 cases with 1,700 deaths–a mortality rate of less than 1 percent. Of the European Union countries, the United Kingdom followed by Germany report the most cases.
For information on symptoms and care, please see the links below. If you suspect you may have 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact your healthcare provider for further instruction. A list of local health providers is available on the U.S. Embassy website at http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/hospitals5.html
For further information about 2009-H1N1 influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the State Department’s website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4493.html, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 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/