Warden Information
Warden Message on Influenza
Released on April 29, 2009
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 virus in California, Texas, Kansas, New York and Ohio. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of confirmed human cases in Mexico and Canada. There are unconfirmed reports of H1N1 virus cases in other countries. Many countries— including Cambodia, where there have been no confirmed cases—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 Cambodia to be aware of the latest information on influenza and to be mindful of possible travel restrictions. Please consult the Department of State information on H1N1 virus 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/ or the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. Additional information on pandemic influenza can also be accessed through www.pandemicflu.gov.
Remember, when any influenza virus is circulating, it is important to practice good hygiene (wash hands regularly with soap and water and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze), to seek appropriate treatment promptly if you have flu-like symptoms (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/takingcare.pdf ), to avoid sick people, to avoid other people if you are sick, and to have an adequate supply of water and food in case you need to stay in place for several days.
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh has recommended that their staff maintain the following supplies at home:
- A thermometer
- Tylenol or ibuprofen (adults and children) or aspirin (adults only) for fever management
- Large supply of potable water and sufficient food in case you need to stay in place for several days
- Hand sanitizer or antiseptic soap
Additionally, while most of the attention these days is on H1N1 virus, Cambodia has had confirmed cases of avian flu in the past. 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 or pork, fresh or frozen, as long as it is properly cooked (170 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Embassy strongly encourages all Americans visiting or residing in Cambodia to register with the Embassy. Registration should be made on-line at: https://travelregistration.state.gov. The Embassy in Cambodia is located at #1 Street 96 in Phnom Penh. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh can be reached by calling 855-23-728-000 and by email at ACSphnompenh@state.gov. Normal business hours for American citizen services are 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. In the event of an emergency or if you require urgent assistance outside of those hours, please call 855-23-728-000. General information about Egypt and the U.S. Embassy is available at the Embassy’s website http://cambodia.usembassy.gov. 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.