Warden Information
Warden Message: H1N1 Influenza Update
November 6, 2009
To: U.S. Citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina
From: U.S. Embassy Sarajevo
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza A, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1. The Ministry of Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina reports that, as of November 4, 2009, there have been 42 laboratory-confirmed cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza A in the Federation; in the Republika Srpska, as of November 2, 2009, there have been 11 confirmed cases. Neither entity has introduced any travel restrictions or special measures. The ministries are following the latest developments through their coordination teams on entity and cantonal/district levels in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization; they recommend that anyone with respiratory flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty with breathing, headache, muscle and bone ache, tiredness) contact their regular healthcare provider for further guidance.
If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact U.S. Embassy Sarajevo at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Embassy cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.
Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Embassy is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. A list of local hospitals and doctors can be found on our website.
For more information on how to prepare for a severe 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. Detailed information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the U.S. Government’s federal influenza website, and the World Health Organization website.
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.
U.S. citizens residing 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, to obtain updated travel and security information. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Registration is important; it allows the Embassy or Consulate and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.
U.S. Embassy Sarajevo is located at Alipasina 43. The Embassy telephone number is (033) 445-700, extensions 2130, 2440, 2210 or 2337. Additional information can also be found on the U.S. Embassy’s website.