11 June 2009 - H1N1 Virus Update
In late April, WHO, (World Health Organization), announced the emergence of a novel influenza A virus which we now know as H1N1. On June 11th, 2009 the Director-General of WHO decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6, on the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, she states the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. Keep in mind that Pandemic' is a word that many people link with the severity of a disease, but the WHO's definition of pandemic really only speaks to its presence over a wide geographic area rather than its severity. In fact, the WHO considers the severity of the H1N1 virus itself to only be "moderate," (quoting the WHO Web site) meaning 'most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.'"
For travelers, the World Health Organization continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures.
Passport and Border Information for U.S. Citizens:
(From US Dept. of State: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative)
AIR TRAVEL: ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
U.S. Border Crossing Requirements Have Changed - Get Compliant by June 1, 2009!
For more information on U.S. Border requirements, visit the following sites:
Loose Lithium Batteries No Longer Allowed
Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer allow loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. These batteries may continue to be packed in carry-on baggage.
Under the new DOT rule, lithium batteries are allowed in checked baggage under one of the following conditions:
The batteries must be in their original containers.
The battery terminals must not exposed (for example placing tape over the ends of the batteries).
The batteries are installed in a device.
The batteries are enclosed by themselves in a plastic bag.
Loose lithium batteries found in checked baggage may be removed.
