Warden Information

Embassy Ankara Warden Message 2

January 13, 2006

WARDEN INFORMATION

As of January 11, the Turkish Ministry of Health has confirmed 18 positive tests of H5N1 avian influenza in humans. Three of these cases have resulted in deaths in far eastern Turkey, in the town of Dogubeyazit in Agri province near the eastern border. Eight other provinces have been affected by human cases, including Ankara, Samsun, and Van. Four of these cases have been confirmed by a WHO reference laboratory in London. Animals in 23 provinces of Turkey are under observation for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. There is still no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

The Embassy reminds all American citizens to avoid all contact with live poultry and migratory wild birds and to avoid commercial or backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets.

The Embassy also reminds all American citizens to practice safe handling procedures of poultry products, including extensive cleansing and thorough cooking, as explained in previous warden messages (available on the Embassy’s Internet address below). More information on avian influenza can be found in the State Department’s Avian Influenza Fact Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html.

The US Missions in Ankara, Istanbul, and Adana are actively working with local and international authorities to keep abreast of developments. The US Mission will conduct briefings for the American community in Turkey; the times, dates, and locations of these briefings will be announced. 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 travel information on Turkey 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/.

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