News Watch
Bolivia wary
People who do not have proof of valid yellow fever vaccinations have been denied boarding by airlines flying to Bolivia recently, according to the U.S. Embassy in La Paz. The disease is has been found in neighboring countries.
Tunisia kidnapping
In Tunisia, two Austrian tourists driving a 4-wheel-drive vehicle in the southern desert were kidnapped in late February 2008. A U.S.-designated terrorist organization claimed responsibility and, at press time, was demanding the release of jailed militants in Tunisia and Algeria.
Israel, West Bank & Gaza
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when considering travel to Israel at this time. It urges deferring travel to the West Bank and avoiding all travel to the Gaza Strip.
Dengue in Brazil
In Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state, in the first three months of 2008 about 33,000 people had contracted dengue fever and 48 had died, more deaths than in all of 2002, the last year that Rio had a dengue epidemic.
Central African Republic
Travelers in the Central African Republic (CAR) should exercise extreme caution, especially outside the capital city of Bangui. Armed rebel groups, bandits and poachers present real dangers.
Current warnings for May 2008
As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 28 destinations: Eritrea, Algeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Kenya, Yemen, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Sudan, Nepal, Timor-Leste,
Violence in China
On March 14, 2008, violence erupted following peaceful demonstrations in the city of Lhasa, capital of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
Warning in Thailand
The Department of State has warned against travel to Thailand’s southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla due to attacks by Muslim insurgents and a bombing March 15 at the tourist-frequented C.S.
Yemen warning
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider deferring nonessential travel to Yemen at this time, due to the possibility of attacks by extremists against U.S. citizens, businesses and perceived interests.
Yellow fever, Argentina
Since late 2007, emerging yellow fever disease has been reported in monkeys and humans in many South American countries. On March 3, 2008, the Argentina Ministry of Health reported their first official human case of yellow fever for 2008 in Misiones Province, Argentina.
Kenya crisis quelled?
On Feb. 8, the Department of State warned that while much of the widespread civil unrest, demonstrations and looting that affected Kenya following the disputed Dec. 27 presidential election had subsided, the potential for spontaneous violence remained.
Yellow fever in Paraguay
As of Feb. 20, 2008, the Paraguay Ministry of Health had reported seven confirmed cases of yellow fever from the department of San Pedro in the east central region, the first cases of yellow fever disease identified in Paraguay in more than 30 years.
Chad emergency
Travelers should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country, says the Department of State.
Colombia problems
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Colombia.
Attacks in Sri Lanka
The Department of State enumerates the risks of travel to Sri Lanka and specifically warns against travel to the northern and eastern areas.
Current warnings for April 2008
As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 29 destinations: Serbia, Chad, Timor-Leste, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Afghanistan, Colombia, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of t
Timor-Leste unrest
In Timor-Leste, on Feb. 11, 2008, armed rebels attempted to assassinate President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. The president was shot at his home and evacuated to Australia for medical treatment, and the prime minister was unharmed.
Kosovo declares independence
On Feb. 17, 2008, the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government Assembly of Kosovo (essentially its parliament) passed a proclamation of independence from Serbia. While Kosovo celebrated, the Serbian government strongly declared the illegality of the independence vote.
Infighting in Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, tribal clashes rarely occur in densely populated areas, but when a security guard was killed in a hotel brawl in Mount Hagen on Feb.
Philippines risks
Security risks, including those due to terrorism, persist in the Philippines, the State Department warns. The southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are of particular concern.