Warden Message

U.S. Embassy Dhaka
August 27, 2009

This Warden Message provides U.S. citizens the latest information regarding human cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1, and serves as an update to the Warden Message dated June 28, 2009.  As of this message there are at least 117 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in Bangladesh.  There is also early evidence of in-country community-level transmission in addition to the imported cases. 

The Embassy encourages all Americans to be vigilant with regards to their personal hygiene and sanitation practices.  You should wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to eradicate viruses and bacteria.  When soap and water are not available, apply a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol content.  Remember to practice good respiratory etiquette by coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue and get vaccinated against flu, as recommended.  Also, ask your employer, organization or school about pandemic contingency plans, and make a pandemic contingency plan for your family.

Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Embassy 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://dhaka.usembassy.gov/medical_assistance.html

Please note that the Embassy is NOT advising Americans in Bangladesh 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 Bangladesh.

American citizens should be aware that the Embassy cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.  The Embassy encourages American citizens or their families to inform the Embassy if they have been detained or quarantined by local authorities.

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department’s fact sheet on Pandemic Influenza at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html, and the fact sheet on Preparing to Remain in Country at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_3096.html.  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.

Americans living or traveling in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, 1212. The direct phone number for American Citizen Services (ACS) is (880-2) 882-3805, and our fax number is (880-2) 882-4449 In the case of an emergency, you may contact us after-hours, on weekends and on holidays at (880-2) 885-5500; press “0” and ask for the Duty Officer.

ACS Unit
U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh