STATE DEPT SNAFU PART II?
#207
Bloggers live for this sort of thing. Really. It’s a slow news day, once you get past the vehement denials of the Chinese on the subject of the fujian-like strain spreading, and the WHO apology, so this is welcome comedy relief.
After the Great Hong Kong Prep Advisory Retraction chronicled here, here, here and here . . . we get this from the US Embassy in Tunisia.
http://tunis.usembassy.gov/avian_influenza.html
Avian Influenza Preparedness
As of October 26, 2006, there are NO reported cases of Avian Influenza in Tunisia.
We encourage all Americans to learn more about Avian Influenza. The U.S. Department of State’s latest guidance on Avian Flu can be found in our Avian Influenza Fact Sheet.
Current information about avian influenza A (H5N1) and pandemic influenza can be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/qa.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
http://www.who.int
http://www.pandemicflu.gov
http://www.travel.state.gov
Several simple measures can be taken now that will put you and your family in a better state of readiness should such a pandemic occur. These measures are outlined at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/.
The U.S. Department of State is recommending that its overseas employees and their families prepare for the possibility of "sheltering in place" for an extended period of time – up to twelve weeks. To prepare for this possibility, the Department advises that persons store appropriate supplies of non-perishable food and fresh water for emergencies. Individuals should also ensure that they have sufficient supplies of needed medicines, such as prescription medications. Formula for infants and any child’s or older person’s special nutritional needs should be a part of your personal planning. These steps can be helpful in preparing for many eventualities, from the possibility of a pandemic, to natural disasters, to simple disruptions in utility services.
Concerned about what to do if you come across a sick or dead bird? Click here for Tunisia-specific guidance.
Guess these guys didn’t get the Hong Kong Memo.
We’ll watch and see how long this notice stays up.
While it is still unclear how this message is leaking out, my money is on a handful of State Department employees with a conscience releasing it `accidentally on purpose’. If so, Kudos to all involved.
Embassy employees around the world have been warned to prepare for a 12-week siege due to a possible Avian Flu Pandemic. The Federal government obviously takes the H5N1 virus very seriously.
And so should we.
