TRAVEL ALERT: ARGENTINA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 073223

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC AR
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT: ARGENTINA


1. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens
traveling to or residing in Argentina of the health risks
associated with the World Health Organization (WHO)-
declared 2009-H1N1 influenza pandemic, which has resulted
in illness in numerous countries. The current outbreak
in Argentina has caused federal, provincial, and
municipal authorities to announce several measures to
prevent the illness from spreading. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans
at high risk for complications of influenza and
considering travel to areas affected by 2009-H1N1
influenza, such as Argentina, discuss their travel plans
with their doctor. Together, they should look carefully
at the 2009-H1N1 flu situation at their destination
including available health-care options in the area.
They should discuss their specific health situations and
possible increased risk of traveling to the area affected
by 2009-H1N1 flu. This Travel Alert expires on September
14, 2009.



2. The Government of Argentina has announced a US$263
million effort to take action against the influenza
outbreak. All of Argentina's 23 districts and the city
of Buenos Aires have extended school vacations, some by
as long as a month. Twelve of Argentina's districts,
including the Province of Buenos Aires and the city of
Buenos Aires, have declared administrative health
emergencies. Throughout the country, authorities advise
against attending events involving large gatherings of
people. The media is issuing public health advice on a
continuing basis. The federal government is updating
measures on a daily basis and has not ruled out more
restrictive actions.


3. As of July 6, the Ministry of Health had reported
2,485 confirmed cases of 2009-H1N1, including 60 deaths.
These figures are updated daily. Currently, there is
insufficient international scientific data about the
course of the pandemic to determine the highest risk
groups for complications of novel influenza A (2009-H1N1)
virus infection. According to medical authorities, the
same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for
seasonal influenza complications should also be
considered at higher risk for 2009-H1N1 influenza
complications.


4. Groups at higher risk for seasonal influenza
complications include:
Children less than 5 years old;
Persons aged 65 years or older;
Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are
receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at
risk for experiencing Reye's Syndrome after influenza
virus infection;
Pregnant women;
Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary,
cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic,
neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders;
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including
immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV);
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care
facilities.


5. Not all respiratory illnesses are 2009-H1N1
influenza, but may be seasonal influenza or another
illness. Specific questions or concerns about influenza
or specific high-risk conditions should be directed to a
medical professional.


6. For additional information please consult the

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Department of State information on 2009-H1N1 Flu, the
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Website or the World Health Organization Website for
information on how to avoid contracting the virus and how
to treat it if infected. U.S. citizens also may call the
Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the U.S. for the
latest travel information. The Office of Overseas
Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 am ? 8:00 pm
Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if
calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444. For
any emergencies involving American citizens, please
contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the
U.S. Embassy's Consular Section, located at 4300 Avenida
Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires; telephone+54-11-5777-4354;
after hours emergency telephone +54-11-5777-4873; ACS
unit fax +54-11-5777-4293; e-mail BuenosAires-
ACS@state.gov; web page.


7. Americans living or traveling in Argentina are
encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the
State Department's travel registration Website, so that
they can obtain updated information on travel and
security within Argentina. Americans without internet
access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.


8. Minimize considered.
CLINTON