International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

010819 – World Status Report

January 8, 2019

When traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, set up your institutional safety net and prepare for an emergency as a standard step of all your travels.  Find more information in the Traveler Best Practices webpage.

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.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Somalia. US. Department of State. Level 4: Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, and piracy. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.
  • Sudan. U.S. Department of State. Level 3: Reconsider travel to Sudan due to terrorism and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.

Crime and Social Unrest

  • South Sudan. U.S. Department of State. Level 4:  Do not travel to South Sudan due to crime and armed conflict. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Afghanistan. UN. A series of coordinated attacks aimed at security checkpoints in northern Afghanistan took place on New Year’s Eve, killing at least 27 and wounding dozens of others. The attacks occurred after the announcement by Afghan electoral authorities of a new date for planned presidential elections, which had been scheduled to take place on April 20. Elections will now be held in July this year.
  • Burkina Faso. GOV.AU. On 31 December 2018, the Burkina Faso Government declared a state of emergency in a number of provinces in northern and eastern Burkina Faso along the Mali, Niger, Togo and Benin borders. The announcement follows the deaths of ten gendarmes in a terrorist attack in north west Burkina Faso on 27 December and a general deterioration in security over the past year. Follow the directions of local authorities, including adhering to curfews. We haven’t changed the level – reconsider your need to travel to Burkina Faso overall. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.
  • Chile. GC.CA. On January 4, 2019, an explosion occurred at a bus stop in Santiago. A few people were injured. Be aware of your surroundings if you are the affected area.
  • Mali. UN. An attack on a village in central Mali earlier this week in which at least 37 civilians died, is to be investigated with the help of United Nations human rights experts

Crime and Social Unrest

  • Bangladesh. GC.CA. Parliamentary elections took place on December 30, 2018. Demonstrations could occur in the period following the elections and the formation of the new government. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Brazil. GC.CA. Since January 2, 2019, clashes resulting in casualties have been taking place in several cities of Brazil’s northeastern state of Ceara, including the capital Fortaleza. Avoid the affected areas and monitor local media for information on the ongoing situation.
  • Burkina Faso. UN. More than 40 civilians have been reportedly killed during intercommunal clashes this week in northern Burkina Faso, prompting UN Secretary General António Guterres to issue a statement on Friday night condemning the violence and “deteriorating security situation” in parts of the West African country.
  • Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa). GC.CA, UN. Presidential and legislative elections took place on December 30, 2018.The security situation in the DRC is unpredictable and could deteriorate suddenly. Internet access has been blocked. Demonstrations, civil unrest and calls for general strikes could occur following the release of the preliminary and final results of the elections. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. During large scale demonstrations, the only road to N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa can be blocked and flight schedules can be disrupted. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Gabon. GOV.UK, GOV.AU. Latest update: Summary – following reports of an attempted coup against the President of Gabon on 7 January, sporadic gunfire has been reported in Libreville and there is a visible military presence on the streets; internet and media access has been reportedly affected; you should remain indoors in a safe location where possible, follow media coverage if you are able to do so, and monitor this travel advice for updates.
  • India. GC.CA, GOV.UK, GOV.AU. Violent protests took place in early January 2019, in various areas of the state of Kerala, following the entry of women to the Sabarimala temple, located in Pathanamthitta district. Further demonstrations and acts of violence could occur. Some public services have been disrupted in the wake of clashes between police and protesters; if you’re in Kerala or due to travel there, you should monitor media reports closely, remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings.
  • Madagascar. GOV.UK, GOV.AU. Latest update: Summary and Safety and security section (Political situation) update on the potential for further unrest following the expected announcement of the final results of the Presidential election on 8 January 2019, with protests taking place often without warning. Political instability may impact security both in the capital and the regions. Follow the instructions of local authorities and avoid any demonstrations, rallies and public gatherings in the lead up to, and during, the election period.
  • Myanmar. GC.CA. In December 2018 and January 2019, a number of clashes between armed groups and the military occurred in parts of northern and central Rakhine State. Improvised explosive devices have detonated on the road between the capital city of Sittwe and Mrauk-U, in central Rakhine. Violence in the area is ongoing. The security situation can deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Nigeria. GC.CA. Presidential elections are due to take place on February 16, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
  • Tunisia. GC.CA. The deterioration in the security situation in neighbouring Libya has resulted in greater volatility in southern Tunisia, particularly in remote areas. Remote areas, including the area south of Jebil National Park and desert areas, can have unreliable cellphone reception and few resources for assistance.

Law and Culture

  • China. U.S. Department of State. Level 2: Exercise increased caution in China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws as well as special restrictions on dual U.S. Chinese nationals.
  • Myanmar. GOV.AU. Defaming, disturbing or threatening any person using a telecommunications network is illegal in Myanmar. Do not post negative comments on social media. In December 2018 and January 2019 improvised explosive devices were detonated on the road between Sittwe and Mirauk in Rakhine State, causing damage to passing vehicles. The level of our travel advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in Myanmar overall. Higher and lower levels apply in some parts of the country.

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Burkina Faso. GC.CA. On December 31, 2018, Burkinabe authorities declared a state of emergency in several regions along the borders with Mali, Niger, Benin and Togo. Expect an increased security presence and checkpoints. Curfews could be imposed at any point. Follow the instructions of local authorities in these regions.

Health

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO. As of October 2018, genetically-linked circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) isolates were detected in two cases from Haut-Katanga province (Mufunga-Sampwe district) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the fourth distinct outbreak of cVDPV2 detected in the country since June 2017.
  • European Region. ECDC. During week 52, 2018, influenza activity continued to increase in the European Region. Of the individuals sampled after presenting with influenza like illness or acute respiratory infection at sentinel primary healthcare sites in Europe, 37% tested positive for influenza viruses. Most of the countries are starting to see geographic spread (widespread, regional or local) within their borders.
  • France. ECDC. On 26 December 2018, France notified through EWRS about dengue (DENV-1) cases in Guadeloupe and Saint-Martin islands in the Caribbean.
  • Multistate (World). ECDC. Since the CDTR published on 7 December 2018, one new case of wild poliovirus type 1 has been reported in Afghanistan. Additionally, two new cases of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV) have been reported globally: one case of cVDPV type 1 (cVDPV1) in Papua New Guinea and one case of cVDPV type 2 (cVDPV2) in Mozambique.
  • Panama. WHO. The Panama Ministry of Health has reported an increase in cases of hantavirus infection in Los Santos Province, Republic of Panama, to the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Between 1 January and 22 December 2018, a total of 103 confirmed cases of hantavirus have been reported at the national level, 99 of which were reported in Los Santos Province.

Natural Disaster

  • Austria. GOV.UK. Latest update: Summary – Continued heavy snowfall is forecast in the Austrian Alps over several days from Tuesday 8 January; this could cause travel disruption and heightened risk of avalanches in some areas; for the latest travel information, contact your transport provider and/or tour operator.
  • Brazil. GDACS. On 1/5/2019 7:25:38 PM, an earthquake occurred in Brazil potentially affecting About 47000 people within 100km. The earthquake had Magnitude 6.8M.
  • Germany. GOV.UK. Latest update: Summary – According to local reports, there is heavy snowfall and a high risk of avalanches in southern Germany at present; due to heavy snowfall in Bavaria and more expected, the infrastructure has been affected; you should check your journey before travelling.
  • Iran. GDACS. On 1/6/2019 1:41:58 PM, an earthquake occurred in Iran potentially affecting 1780000 people within 100km. The earthquake had Magnitude 5.6M.
  • Japan. GDACS. On 1/8/2019 12:39:31 PM, an earthquake occurred in Japan potentially affecting 290000 people within 100km. The earthquake had Magnitude 6.3M.
  • Philippines. GDACS. On 1/7/2019 3:11:55 AM, an earthquake occurred in Philippines potentially affecting 980000 people within 100km. The earthquake had Magnitude 5.5M.

Ebola News

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO. During the reporting period (27 December 2018 – 2 January 2019), 16 newly confirmed cases were reported from Beni (two), Butembo (five), Katwa (three), Komanda (one), Mabalako (one), and Oicha (four) health zones (Figure 1). As of 2 January 2019, there have been a total of 609 EVD cases1 (561 confirmed and 48 probable, Figure 2), including 370 deaths and 208 people having recovered. Overall, cases are occurring in localised hotspots within 16 health zones found in North Kivu and Ituri.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo. ECDC. As of 21 December 2018, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 58 additional cases of Ebola.  As of 2 January 2019, according to the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there have been 608 Ebola virus disease cases (560 confirmed, 48 probable), including 368 deaths (320 in confirmed and 48 in probable cases), since the beginning of the outbreak.

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.