031919 – World Status Report

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

• Venezuela – U.S. Department of State – Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. On March 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas is not providing any consular services. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Venezuela should depart Venezuela. Commercial flights remain available.  Read the entire travel advisory.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Gaza and Israel – GOV.UK. There have been repeated instances of rocket fire from Gaza; Israel has often responded by returning projectile fire into Gaza. On 14 March 2019, a number of projectiles were fired from Gaza towards central Israel. Rocket sirens were sounded and Israeli air defences launched. Israel responded overnight on 14/15 March by targeting around 100 suspected Hamas positions in Gaza. If travelling in central or southern Israel, familiarise yourself with the safety actions that you should take in the event of a warning siren, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice.
• New Zealand – GC.CA. The Government of New Zealand maintains a public alert system on terrorism. The current threat level is set to high due to shootings that occurred in 2 mosques in Christchurch on March 15, 2019.
• Nigeria – GOV.AU. There is a high threat of kidnapping across Nigeria. The US Embassy issued an alert on 13 March 2019 warning that a terrorist group plans to conduct kidnap operations against unidentified foreigners currently located in Borno State.
• Thailand – GC.CA. There is a threat of terrorism in Thailand. Although infrequent outside of the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala, small-scale bomb attacks occur in public places. Further attacks are likely. Targets could include government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Netherlands – GOV.AU, GOV.UK – On 18 March 2019 a shooting on a tram on the town of Utrecht resulted in at least one death and several injuries. Avoid the area while investigations continue. Police are treating the incident as terrorist related. Authorities raised the terrorist threat level for Utrecht to ‘critical’, the highest level and it was reduced after the main suspect was arrested. Exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Demonstrations

• Algeria – GC.CA. Presidential elections scheduled to take place in April 2019 were postponed. Politically-motivated demonstrations and strikes may continue throughout the country.
• Bahrain – GOV.UK. Anniversary dates of significant events in Bahrain, including in February and March, can sometimes experience a higher volume of unauthorised protests. As a result there could be violent clashes and targeting of security forces. Historic trouble-spots where such incidents have taken place include Sitra, Bani Jamra, Karbabad, Saar, Karzakan, the Budaiya Highway and surrounding villages. These protests could erupt at any time without warning. You should remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings wherever you are on the island. Violent protests pose a risk to those who might inadvertently find themselves near to an active demonstration. If you encounter a large public gathering or demonstration, leave the area immediately. If you see any suspect item, don’t approach or touch it. Move away and call the police on 999 or the Police Hotline 8000 8008.
• Guinea-Bissau – GC.CA. The provisional results of the recent legislative elections were made public on March 13, 2019. Demonstrations could occur in reaction to the results.
• Philippines – GOV.AU. There will be national and local elections on 13 May 2019. The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has warned foreign nationals against breaking Philippine law by participating in public protests or political rallies. There has been violence associated with previous elections. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities
• Turkey – GOV.UK. 20 to 21 March marks the Kurdish New Year, known as Newroz. Newroz celebrations have sometimes been a flashpoint for violent incidents. You should take care, particularly in public places, avoid large gatherings and follow the advice of the local authorities. On 31 March municipal elections will be held throughout Turkey. This may result in rallies around the country. You should avoid large gatherings and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Zimbabwe – GOV.AU. There have been widespread disruptions, street blockades and violent protests in parts of the country including in Harare and Bulawayo. There’s an increased security presence in some urban areas. Avoid demonstrations and monitor media for planned or possible unrest.

Health

• Afghanistan, Pakistan – ECDC. Poliomyelitis. Since the CDTR published on 8 February 2019, four new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 have been reported in Pakistan (3) and Afghanistan (1). On 1 February 2019, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee agreed that the spread of poliovirus remains a PHEIC and extended temporary recommendations for an additional three months.
• Europe – ECDC. Influenza. Influenza activity was widespread in the European Region.
• France (Mayotte) – ECDC. Rift Valley fever. According to the Agence de Santé Océan Indien report with data as of 8 March 2019, 6 new human cases have been reported in Mayotte since the last CDTR update. Furthermore, samples taken by veterinarians from sick animals or abortions during the same time period have identified 13 additional epizootic foci of Rift Valley fever in Mayotte.
• Mexico – CDC. Some US residents returning from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, have been diagnosed with infections caused by an antibiotic-resistant form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. All of the travelers with this particular infection had an invasive medical procedure performed in Tijuana. Most (but not all) of them had weight-loss surgery. Over half of those infected had their surgery done at the Grand View Hospital. CDC continues to receive reports of infections in patients reporting surgery at Grand View Hospital. CDC recommends that travelers to Tijuana, Mexico, not have surgery at the Grand View Hospital until it is confirmed that the drug-resistant form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria is no longer there. If you or someone you know has received care at Grand View Hospital in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, see more information about additional information at CDC
• Oman, Saudi Arabia– ECDC. MERS-CoV. In 2019 and as of 12 March 2019, 112 MERS-CoV cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia (99) and Oman (13). There were also 22 deaths in Saudi Arabia (18) and Oman (4). In Saudi Arabia, 36 cases were primary (20 of whom reported contact with camels), 31 were healthcare-acquired, 18 were household contacts and 14 cases are under investigation. The majority of cases in Saudi Arabia (76%) were reported in Wadi Aldwasir (56) and Riyadh (19). Six regions are affected with cases from the last 21 days and 10 of 13 regions in Saudi Arabia have reported cases in 2019. According to a ProMED-mail post, the transmission of MERS-CoV in Wadi Aldwasir continues in this area with a total of 57 cases (one from Riyadh attributed to this outbreak). In addition, there is an ongoing cluster in Khamees Meshait, Asir Region, with a primary case who died and three secondary cases.

Law and Culture

• Nepal – GOV.UK. A nationwide general strike (bandh) has been called for 14 March 2019, by a group led by Netra Bikram Chand. The bandh is expected to be effective throughout the country with impacts on availability of transport and the opening of businesses and schools. It should have a lower impact inside the Kathmandu Valley. You’re advised to exercise caution, follow the advice of security personnel and use main roads.
• Russia – GOV.UK. There are restrictions on certain religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials. Following recent legislation, Jehovah’s Witnesses are considered an extremist organisation in Russia and can be subject to significant harassment from the authorities, particularly at places of worship. At least one foreign national has been detained and subsequently imprisoned for being a Jehovah’s Witness, though we are not aware of any British nationals being detained for this reason. Other minority religious groups in Russia are also subject to similar discrimination, as are organizations like the Scientologists.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe – GDACS. The drought has lasted for 4 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Australia – GDACS. The drought has lasted for 2 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Dominican Republic, Haiti – GDACS. The drought has lasted for 3 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Malawi – GC.CA, GOV.AU, GOV.UK. Some parts of southern Malawi are experiencing severe flooding since the beginning of March. The recent passage of tropical cyclone Idai has aggravated the situation further. Be cautious, avoid flooded areas, follow advice of local authorities, and monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization.
• Mozambique – GC.CA,  GDACS. Tropical cyclone Idai made landfall near Beira, on March 15, 2019. The cyclone brought excessive rainfall and violent winds. The most-affected areas are the provinces of Zambezia, Sofala, Manica, Inhambane and Tete. Heavy rains causing floods had already been affecting northern and central regions, especially the provinces of Zambezia, Tete and Niassa. There could be disruptions to the essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. Be cautious and avoid the flooded areas.
• Zimbabwe – GC.CA, GOV.AU, GDACS. Eastern Zimbabwe, especially the region of Chimanimani, is experiencing severe flooding due to the passage of tropical cyclone Idai. The storm has brought excessive rainfall and violent winds. There could be disruptions to the following essential services like transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care. Be cautious and avoid the flooded areas. If travelling to affected regions, take extra care, monitor weather updates and follow any advice given by the local authorities.

Other

• Egypt – GC.CA. Rail safety standards are generally poor. Avoid rail travel in Egypt.
• Pakistan – GC.CA. Airspace restrictions over parts of Pakistan could cause flight disruptions. If you are in Pakistan or are planning to travel there contact your airline to confirm your flight’s schedule, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media
• Venezuela – GOV.UK. Following a prolonged and widespread power cut that affected Caracas and much of the rest of Venezuela from 7 March, the situation is gradually returning to normal. Caracas International Airport is operating normally, although some airlines have adjusted their schedules. Mobile signals and internet are functioning normally.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC. Ebola virus. Since the previous CDTR, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 19 additional cases, including 13 additional deaths, among confirmed cases. In the past week, authoctonous cases have been reported for the first time in Lubero health zone.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO. The public health response to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak continues to make gains. During the last 21 days (20 February – 12 March 2019), no new cases have been detected in 10 of the 20 health zones that have been affected during the outbreak (Figure 1). There has also been fewer new cases observed over the past five weeks compared to January 2019 and earlier in the outbreak.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – GC.CA. Attacks against medical staff and Ebola treatment centers took place in March 2019. They resulted in casualties.

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.