US government responds to Americans quarantined in Thailand because of swine flu

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information
regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as

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. In response to the global spread of the novel
influenza A (H1N1) virus, on June 11, 2009, the World Health
Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide alert level to Phase 6,
indicating that a pandemic is under way. While serious infections and a
few deaths have been reported, most infections have been mild.

The Thai Ministry of Public Health has reported that as of June 17,
2009, 405 cases of H1N1 have been confirmed in Thailand and 922 people
are under observation. Local authorities in Thailand are using thermal
scanners to monitor passengers arriving at international airports
throughout Thailand and have quarantined travelers, including a few
Americans, found to have elevated temperatures.

American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or
the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai cannot demand their immediate
release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with
local public health and legal authorities, and cannot attempt to
influence the terms or duration of quarantine. Quarantines in Thailand,
however, have generally been of short duration.

Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be
directed to a medical professional. Although the U.S. Embassy and U.S.
Consulate General cannot provide medical advice or provide medical
services to the public, we can provide a list of hospitals and doctors.
For the Bangkok list, go to http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html
and click on “A Guide to Living and Working in Thailand” or email
[email protected]. For the Chiang Mai list, email [email protected].

Please note that the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General are NOT
advising Americans in Thailand to depart. At this time the 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 Thailand.

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and
for further safety information about H1N1 influenza, including steps you
can take to stay healthy, please consult the following:

— Department of State information at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html

— United States Centers for Disease Control website at
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

— World Health Organization website at
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

— Thai Department of Disease Control, Bureau of Emerging Infectious
Diseases website at http://beid.ddc.moph.go.th/eng/

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular
Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current
Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and
health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on
security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the
U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular
toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays).

American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to
register with the Department of State at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. By registering, American
citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in
case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Thailand is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by
calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at [email protected].

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road.

The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. can be reached by calling
66-0-107-777 and by e-mail at [email protected].

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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