121715 – World Status Report

Avoid Nonessential Travel

CDC

• Ebola standing travel notice. CDC urges all US residents to avoid nonessential travel to Guinea because of an unprecedented outbreak of Ebola.

U.S. Department of States

• Ukraine Travel Warning. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Crimea and the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and recommends those U.S. citizens currently living in or visiting these regions to depart.
• Burundi Travel Warning. The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Burundi and recommends that U.S. citizens currently in Burundi depart as soon as it is feasible to do so.
• Lebanon Travel Warning. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon because of ongoing safety and security concerns.
• Iraq Travel Warning. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all but essential travel to Iraq.
• Israel, The West Bank and Gaza Travel Warning. The security environment remains complex in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. U.S. citizens need to be aware of the continuing risks of travel to areas described in this Travel Warning where there are heightened tensions and security risks.

Take Enhanced Precautions

CDC

• Zika Virus advisory.  CDC recommends that travelers to the countries listed protect themselves from the Zika Virus by preventing mosquito bites: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama.

U.S. Department of State

• Kenya Travel Alert. The State Department recommends U.S. citizens traveling to the 10th biennial World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, scheduled to take place December 15 – 18, in Nairobi, Kenya, to maintain a high level of security awareness and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  As with all large public events, there is the opportunity for criminal elements to target participants and other visitors.
• Mali Travel Warning. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Mali.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Warning. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (a.k.a. DRC or Congo-Kinshasa).

Security Messages for U.S. Citizens

• Belgium. During the Holiday Season, there is normally an increase in criminal activity in and around Brussels. American citizens are advised to increase their general level of security awareness and take appropriate precautions during the upcoming holiday season.
• Tunisia. The Department of State notes that threats to U.S. citizens may temporarily increase during holidays and anniversaries of significant events. U.S. citizens should exercise increased vigilance during this period when visiting public venues that are frequented by large numbers of foreigners, such as hotels, shopping centers, tourist sites and restaurants.  U.S. citizens are also reminded to exercise caution, vary times and routes while travelling, and avoid areas where large gatherings may occur.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

• Summary of public health threats, CDTR week 50/2015. This issue covers the period 6-12 December and includes updates on Zika virus infection, influenza and refugee movements.

Ebola News

• WHO Ebola Report. https://twitter.com/WHO/status/677158833744146432

The risk information in this report is retrieved from U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other professional sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.