Warden Information

Warden Message - H1N1 Influenza Update

September 1, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1.  The Republika Srpska’s Ministry of Health in Banja Luka confirmed last Friday that one resident of Banja Luka and another in Gradiska have tested positive for H1N1 influenza.  The patients, who recently arrived from abroad, are currently being treated with anti-viral therapy and are doing well.  The virus was first identified at the hospital in Banja Luka.  The Torlak Institute in Belgrade performed the required follow-up testing.
 
Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at at www.usembassy.ba.
For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department’s “Pandemic/Avian Influenza” and “Remain in Country” fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov.  Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
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 Bosnia and Herzegovina 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina.  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 Sarajevo is located at Alipasina 43. In the event of an emergency, or if more information is needed, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo can be contacted at (033) 445-700, extensions 2130, 2440, 2210 or 2337. Additional information can also be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website at www.usembassy.ba.