U.S. EMBASSY  WARDEN MESSAGE

February 29, 2008

U.S. Embassy Jakarta
U.S. Consulate General Surabaya
U.S. Consulate Medan

Warden Message - Update on Avian Influenza

The U.S. Embassy would like to provide U.S. citizens with an update on the current status of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Indonesia.     

Human infections with the Avian Influenza virus H5N1 have occurred with regularity in Indonesia since the first documented cases in June of 2005.  Sporadic isolated cases and occasional family clusters have emerged across Java and in areas of Sumatra.  For the most part, victims had exposure to dead or dying poultry.  It is likely that this trend will continue in the coming months while the disease is contained in poultry.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has not upgraded its threat risk, and there is no documented evidence that the virus has changed into a more dangerous pathogen able to move efficiently from one person to another. While cases of H5N1 virus infection of humans remain extremely rare, the Embassy is providing this update to help U.S. citizens make informed decisions concerning the health of their families and employees.

Avian influenza A (H5N1) is endemic among poultry in Indonesia.  As of February 26, 2008, the WHO has recorded a total of 129 confirmed human H5N1 cases and 105 deaths.  Of the total, 20 cases and 13 deaths occurred in 2005, 55 cases and 45 deaths occurred in 2006, 42 cases and 37 deaths occurred in 2007, and 12 cases and 10 deaths have been reported this year. 

Indonesian and WHO health authorities continue to investigate cases of patients with H5N1 infection.  Isolated viruses have not shown mutations that make them more easily transmitted among humans. The Embassy encourages all Americans traveling to or living in Indonesia to monitor local news reports about avian influenza outbreaks and to consult with their health care providers about prevention of avian influenza and steps to take in case of possible exposure to avian influenza.  Dead and dying poultry should be avoided and hand washing with warm water and soap encouraged.  Most human cases of H5N1 have occurred through direct contact with sick or dead poultry.

The H5N1 virus has been identified in environment samples such as bird feces, and infection has been seen in a diversity of bird species including wild ducks, quail and other birds. Evidence of viral infections has also been documented in swine and felines in Indonesia.

The Embassy further encourages Americans resident in Indonesia to be vigilant about food preparation and the handling of poultry or eggs and to wash hands after touching uncooked poultry or poultry products. A number of pathogens can reside in uncooked poultry and eggs in addition to influenza.

As with any natural disaster, a pandemic may disrupt mobility, as well as access to food, water and medication.  The Embassy urges Americans to be prepared for adverse events at all times with adequate supplies.  We encourage all Americans to review the newly updated guidance on Avian Influenza at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html, which includes “Remain in Country during a Pandemic.” 

Americans can obtain updated information on avian influenza, including country specific information about Indonesia and other Asian countries, from the websites listed below. Links to these websites, as well as regularly updated Q's and A's about avian influenza, are also available on the Embassy's website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov.

Websites for more information

WHO outbreak updates:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/

CDC avian influenza information:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm

CDC travel information
http://www.cdc.gov/travel. 

CDC Information for businesses:
http://www.cdc.gov/business/

HFIS pandemic influenza information:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov

Pandemic information for businesses:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab4.html

The Embassy strongly encourages Americans in Indonesia, including short-term visitors, to register with the Embassy in Jakarta, the Consulate General in Surabaya, or the Consular Agent in Bali. Registration may be done on-line at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/consular/onlinereg.html or by telephone to the numbers below.

Information on registration procedures, all security-related Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, and recent Embassy warden messages are posted on the Embassy's website at http://jakarta.usembassy.gov

The Embassy is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, No. 4-5, Jakarta; the 24-hour telephone number is 021-3435-9000. The telephone number of the Consulate General in Surabaya is 031-295-6400; the telephone number of the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali is 0361-233-605.