Artemisinin-tolerant malaria spreading in Mekong river region

The most effective anti-malarial drug available, artemisinin, is reportedly failing to combat a new generation of malarial strand in Myanmar, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on February 4th. Preliminary studies in Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam reportedly second the report, with indications that artemisinin-tolerant malaria is spreading in the region. Health officials put the blame on the plasmodium falciparum parasite, which may have developed a tolerance to various treatments due to the use of counterfeit drugs in the area, which expose the parasite to lower doses of anti-malarial drugs, enabling it to adapt.

We recommend purchasing travel medical and evacuation insurance if you are traveling in this region.  Get an Atlas International travel health insurance quote.

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Travel Warning for Botswana

new_travel_alert2The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana has received updated information on criminal activities targeting shopping complexes and residences in Gaborone. U.S. citizens are encouraged to be vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety and security.

The Embassy has received information that there are groups of criminals operating at shopping complexes in Gaborone, particularly at the Game City shopping center. They are working together in teams to target individuals and rob them. One or two members of the gang will distract the targeted person, while another will then grab the valuables. Reports indicate that the criminals have been non-violent, but they will resort to violence if necessary.

The Embassy has also received reports of individuals attempting to gain entrance into residences or gain information about the occupants and security systems by posing as government or security guard company representatives. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the individuals at your gate, do not let them in.

Security Suggestions from the Embassy Regional Security Office:
When visiting crowded shopping areas in Gaborone, please remember the following principles:

• Be aware at all times of who is around you. As you walk and shop, stop periodically and look behind you.
• Do not advertise valuables, including phones, iPods, and jewelry.
• Backpacks and purses should be zipped up and carried securely in the front of the body.
• Wallets and other valuables should be carried in front or side cargo pockets, and not in the rear pockets.
• Keep some small bills in external pockets to pay for items to avoid displaying the contents of your wallet to everyone in the checkout queue.
What to do if you are a victim?
• If you are robbed, remain calm, and call the police on 999 from a secure area to report the incident.
• If robbed, do not try to confront or apprehend the assailants.
• For after-hours emergency assistance from the U.S. Embassy, contact the Embassy at 395-7111.

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Travel Warning for India

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing security concerns in India. The U.S. government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. This replaces the Travel Alert dated December 29, 2009, and expires on April 30, 2010.

The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provide a vivid reminder that hotels, markets, and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. 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. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad.”

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, 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). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy’s website and on the Department’s website.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

– The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11- 2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-11-2419-8000.

– The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363- 0350. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-22-2363-3611, ext. 0.

– The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-44-2857-4000, 91-44-2811-2000, or 91-44-2811-2021.

– The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91- 33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. For after-hour emergencies, call 91-99030-42956 (cell) or 91-33-3984-2400, ext. 0.

– The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-90-0060-4234.

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Medical Evacuation from Haiti News Release

Below is a recent press release of an insured missionary who was evacuated from Haiti.  While others are waiting in line to get aircraft into Haiti, Seven Corners successfully rescued its members out of Haiti, including the evacuation of one, seriously injured, member.

 

Dr. William Barker, who has been providing emergency care for the Haitians as well as coordinating Seven Corners’ efforts on the island sent an alert stating:.

 

“There is a… missionary in Grand Goave Haiti with a ruptured spleen, broken ribs, and other injuries. She cannot be transported to Port-Au-Prince by ground which is where appropriate medical treatment can be provided. She needs to be transported by helicopter to Port-Au-Prince for appropriate care…”

 

Immediately upon notification, Seven Corners began coordinating the evacuation with the U.S. Navy and communicating with the missionary team members on location in Haiti. At the time, the airport was still closed to private aircraft. Air ambulance companies would not fly out of Miami without the guarantee that the airport would remain open for them to land. To resolve the issue, a U.S. Navy plane airlifted our member to the aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson. Below is an account from one of the mission team members of the experience:

 

“We just witnessed up close and personal, an amazing experience, as the U.S. Navy picked up (our member) and took her to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Carl Vinson where she will be kept for 10 days, evaluated and treated.

 

We thought the helicopter was going to land right away but instead he circled the property multiple times scoping it out. Then instead, it went out over the basketball court and dropped the rescuer down and he immediately ran across the field to where (she) was on a mattress under a tent. Apparently their circling was to locate her. He then ran directly to the location… The rescue officer did a fantastic job as the helicopter hovered over the grounds. He slid (our member) on to the rescue/lift board… The Americans and our Haitian helpers and translators were right there together and on cloud nine as we saw God answering our prayers in such an exciting and dynamic way. Then after she left we all sang God Bless America… 

medical-evac-1-2010

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Mission of Mercy Medical Team FOX News Video

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Flight diverted, bomb squad called in because of in-flight prayer ritual

Are we over reacting?  Read more at USA Today

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Travel Warning for Philippines

new_travel_alert5The State Department alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and urges extreme caution if traveling there. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert dated November 24, 2009, and reflects the continuing instability in the area following acts of violence in the Mindanao province of Maguindanao in November and is supplemental to our September 17, 2009, Travel Warning to the Philippines. This Travel Alert expires on February 28, 2010.

Travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. The violence in Maguindanao in 2009 and continued instability there resulted in the Government of the Philippines extending a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and in the city of Cotabato. The state of emergency includes road checkpoints conducted by the Philippine military and law enforcement. If U.S. citizens travel to Maguindanao despite this Travel Alert, they should understand there are heightened tensions and there will be a significant military presence. They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of officials with regards to limitations on movement.

Travelers to this area should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. The Worldwide Caution reminds U.S. citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere.

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

New Delhi Airport Travel Delays

At least 60 flights have been delayed and canceled and more than 50 trains delayed after a dense fog enveloped New Delhi on January 20th, reducing visibility to less than 100m (330ft), local media reported. The delays and cancellations affected thousands of passengers at airport and railway stations. More than 400 people reportedly died as cold weather swept through northern India in January, with most fatalities reported in Uttar Pradesh state.

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Mission of Mercy Medical Team Departing to Haiti

Our friends at Mission of Mercy sent a medical team to Haiti.  Our prayers are with them.  Watch the interview on the local NBC television station.

If you are sending a medical, relief or mission team to Haiti, then we recommend purchasing our Day Tripper or International Provider group travel insurance which includes medical evacuation and repatriation. Get a travel medical insurance quote?

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks

Travel Warning for Malaysia

new_travel_alert3The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Australian government warned on January 15th that criminals and terrorist groups reportedly began planning attacks against foreign nationals in resorts in isolated areas of Sabah state on Borneo island, including the diving island of Sipadan.

Share and Enjoy:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • del.icio.us
  • RSS
  • Mixx
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks