Warden Message: Turkish Authorities Report Eight 2009-H1N1 Cases

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Ankara released the following Warden Message on June 4:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu.  The Turkish Ministry of Health reports that, since May 14, eight cases have been confirmed in Turkey, all in travelers entering the country from abroad.  Local authorities are asking travelers entering Turkey to complete a form detailing their recent travel and health history.  In addition, there is an active program at Turkish airports to screen passengers with flu symptoms and possible H1N1 virus.  When an arriving passenger with an elevated temperature or other flu symptoms is detected, Turkish Ministry of Health authorities take immediate measures to quarantine the passenger, test for confirmation at least twice, and administer treatment, which altogether can last a week or more.  The individual cannot be released until he or she tests negative for H1N1 virus.  The quarantine location is a hospital designated by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 Influenza.  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 http://turkey.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html.

For further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu, 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.  For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at http://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 Turkey 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 Turkey.  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 (or Consulate) is located at (insert address and phone numbers, including "emergency after-hours" phone number if available, consular ACS section fax number, e-mail address and website). The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.  The website is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.  at the website is http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916.  The website is http://adana.usconsulate.gov.

The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.