Warden Message
Warden Message (September 25, 2009)
U.S. Embassy Lusaka. September 25, 2009.
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. Zambian Ministry of Health authorities have reported cases of H1N1 in Ndola, Luanshya, Kabwe and Mpunde (Copperbelt and Central provinces). Local authorities have closed several schools. As of September 22, 2009, the Zambian government had confirmed 32 cases of H1N1 infection in patients from at least four provinces in Zambia. It is estimated that there have been at least 300 clinical cases thus far and it is likely that H1N1 is now widespread in Zambia.
While quarantines of Americans are unlikely at this stage, 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.
Americans in Zambia should take basic prevention measures: stay home if you are ill, cover your cough with a tissue or in your sleeve, wash your hands often, and avoid close contact with persons coughing, sneezing, or who appear ill.
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://zambia.usembassy.gov/zambia/local_health_care_providers.html.
Please note that the Embassy is NOT advising Americans in Zambia 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 Zambia.
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.
Americans living or traveling in Zambia are encouraged to register with Embassy 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 Zambia. 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 the corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues. The mailing address is P.O. Box 31617, Lusaka, Zambia. U.S. citizens may contact the American Embassy during regular work hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by dialing 260-1-250-955. For after-hours emergencies involving American citizens, please dial 260-1-250-955 extension 1. The fax number is 260-1-252-225. The website is http://zambia.usembassy.gov.