Warden Message
H1N1 Influenza Cases in Qatar
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1. The Qatar Ministry of Health has reported three confirmed cases of H1N1 in Doha. Local authorities are providing medical treatment to affected individuals.
While there are currently no new travel restrictions for flights between the United States and Qatar, or special requirements for travelers arriving from the United States, passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms arriving to or departing from Qatar may be delayed for testing and medical care. American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Doha cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.
Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the U.S. Embassy in Doha 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://qatar.usembassy.gov.
Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Doha is NOT advising Americans in Qatar to depart. At this time, the U.S. Embassy advises that Americans review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to remain in Qatar.
For more information on U.S. Government policy during a 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. Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, 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.
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.