WARDEN INFORMATION

Embassy Ankara Warden Message 1

 

January 5, 2006

The Turkish Ministry of Health has confirmed three positive tests of H5 avian influenza in humans.  Two of these cases have resulted in deaths.  Press reports indicating other infections have not been confirmed.  All of these cases have occurred in far eastern Turkey, in the town of Dogubeyazit in Agri province near the eastern border. At this time, it has not been confirmed that the recent illnesses were caused by H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which has resulted in human deaths in Asia.  
 
We remind all American citizens of previous recommendations to avoid all contact with live poultry and wild birds and to avoid commercial or backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets. 
 
We also remind all American citizens to practice safe handling procedures of poultry products, including extensive cleansing and thorough cooking, as explained in previous warden messages. 
 
Further information will be provided as it becomes available. 

Specific CDC travel information relating to avian influenza, including preventive measures is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm.  WHO guidance related to avian influenza is available at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/.

CDC Contact Information:
Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST
Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA (404) 639-3311

WHO Liaison Office in Washington, DC
Contact Information:
Telephone: (202) 331-9081
Facsimile: (202) 331-9097
Address:
WHO Liaison Office
1775 K Street, N.W., Suite 430
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA

Additional country information can be obtained from the
Department of State's Consular Information Sheets at
http://travel.state.gov/ and from the Department of State's toll-free number, 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131. The Internet address 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. Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's website 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,web site at http://adana.usconsulate.gov

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