Warden Messages
H1N1 Influenza A
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 Influenza A, formerly known as swine flu. There have been no cases of H1N1 flu reported in Qatar. Currently, there are no travel restrictions for flights between the United States and Qatar, or special requirements for travelers arriving from the United States.
The U.S. Embassy has learned that Doha International Airport (DIA) customer contact employees are now taking preventative measures, including wearing protective masks. In addition, employees who have traveled to Mexico and/or the United States are undergoing additional medical screening. However, these requirements do not apply to passengers traveling to or from the U. S. and Mexico, including U.S. citizens. Again, there are no current travel restrictions for flights between the United States and Qatar.
Other organizations in Qatar are taking and may take further preventive measures. Some are recommending their employees take anti-viral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), as a preventative measure. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antiviral chemoprophylaxis, or taking medicine to prevent flu viruses from reproducing in the body, (pre-exposure or post-exposure) is recommended only for people at high risk of complications of influenza as indicated at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
Other countries have confirmed H1N1 flu cases. Many countries are taking preventive measures, whether H1N1 flu cases are confirmed or not. Some countries have discussed possible travel restrictions on those coming from or going to affected countries. As you plan your summer travel, the U.S. Embassy in Doha encourages U.S. citizens to review the travel requirements and possible restrictions that may be in place. Please visit http://travel.state.gov for current travel requirements and restrictions by country.
Remember, when any flu virus is circulating, it is important to practice good hygiene (wash hands regularly with soap and water and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze), to seek appropriate treatment promptly if you have flu-like symptoms (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/takingcare.pdf), to avoid sick people, to avoid other people if you are sick, and to have an adequate supply of water and food in case you need to stay in place for several days. A Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist may be found at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html. Additionally, H1N1 flu bears similarities to Avian Flu, which has affected several countries in the Middle East, although no cases have been reported in Qatar. As such, there is nothing wrong with eating poultry, fresh or frozen, as long as it is properly cooked (170 degrees Fahrenheit).
For further information about H1N1 flu, 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 United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu, 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://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.
U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Doha's website, http://qatar.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and other Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.
U.S. citizens living and residing in Qatar are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via email at ACSconsularDoha@state.gov or by calling 496-6000, extension 6117 for routine services or extension 6600 for after hours emergencies. The U.S. Embassy in Doha is located on 22nd February Street (D-Ring Road), Al Luqta, Doha, Qatar.