International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

080619 – World Status Report

August 6, 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

  • Ethiopia – U.S. Department of State –  Do not travel to the Somali Regional State due to potential for civil unrest, terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines. Reconsider travel to Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR) due to civil unrest. The East Hararge region and the Guji zone of Oromia State due to armed conflict and civil unrest. Benishangul Gumuz and the western part of Oromia State due to armed conflict and civil unrest. Border areas with Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, and Eritrea due to crime, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
  • Thailand – GOV.UK – On 2 August, a number of small explosions occurred in Bangkok. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to areas within the provinces on the Thai Malaysia border, including Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Southern Songkhla province. Our advice against all but essential travel does not include areas north of and including the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and areas north west of and including the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Pedang Besar.

Crime and Social Unrest

  • Indonesia – GOV.NZ – We advise against all tourist and other non essential travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. The security situation remains unpredictable and there is a risk of kidnapping. Political tensions associated with anti government groups and local rivalries can lead to violent clashes. Sporadic violence has occurred in Papua province, mainly in Jayapura, and in the central highlands. Clashes between security service personnel and civilians, and between groups of civilians, have resulted in deaths and injuries. If you are travelling to Papua or West Papua provinces, a travel permit known locally as a “surat jalan” is required. Should you need medical attention, limited facilities are available.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Afghanistan – UNNews – The conflict in Afghanistan continues to be devastating for civilians, with the latest United Nations update released on Tuesday showing that the number of civilians killed by aerial operations increased in the first half of 2019, even as overall civilian casualties declined.
  • Ethiopia – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution when traveling in Ethiopia due to sporadic civil unrest and communications disruptions. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
  • Germany – GOV.NZ – There is a threat of terrorism across Europe, including in Germany. On 19 December 2016, a truck was driven into a Christmas market in Berlin killing 12 people and injuring many others. There is still a threat of terrorism in Germany as terrorist groups continue to view Western Europe as an attractive target. There is also a threat from domestic based extremists, including plots that may involve foreign fighters returning to Germany and Europe from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. The German authorities maintain increased security measures as a precaution around the country, including at public buildings, transport hubs, major events and large public gatherings. German police continue to monitor a number of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist related activity and have disrupted a number of terror plots.
  • Nigeria – UNNews – The killing of some 65 people by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in north east Nigeria, has been condemned by UN Secretary General António Guterres and Filippo Grandi, head of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
  • Syria – UNNews – Bombing and shelling in Syria for more than 90 days by the Government and Russia have led to “carnage in the so called de escalation zone” of Idlib, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Tuesday, in his seventh update since the “current onslaught” began.
  • Thailand – travel.gc.ca – Explosions have been reported at the following three locations in Bangkok near the Government Complex off of Chaeng Wattana Road, near the Chong Nonsi BTS station, on Rama IX Road Subsoi 57/1. If you are in the affected areas remain vigilant at all times, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media.

Crime and Social Unrest

  • Malawi – GOV.UK – Since July 2018 there have been reports of possible incidents of unrest and violence in rural areas of Mulanje, linked to rumours of bloodsuckers. This is further to similar incidents of violence and unrest reported during the period September to December 2017 in the areas of Mulanje, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Phalombe and also in rural parts of Blantyre, Zomba and Nsanje districts. You should continue to exercise extreme caution if you’re travelling in these areas, especially after dark, avoid any demonstrations or large groups of people and follow local security advice.
  • Philippines – GOV.UK – On 3 August 2019 three ferry boats capsized in the Iloilo Guimaras straits, with at least 30 lives lost. Avoid travel on ferries and passenger boats if possible, particularly in the rainy season (June to December). They are often overloaded, may lack necessary lifesaving equipment or be inadequately maintained and have incomplete passenger manifests. Storms can develop quickly and maritime rescue services in the Philippines may be limited.
  • Uruguay – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Uruguay due to crime. Violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies, carjacking and thefts have increased throughout the country and occur in urban areas frequented by U.S. government personnel, day and night. Criminals commonly travel in pairs on motorcycles to approach unsuspecting victims with a weapon and demand personal belongings. Armed criminals also target grocery stores, restaurants, financial centers, and small businesses, in which innocent bystanders are often victimized. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Demonstrations

  • Hong Kong – GOV.AU, GOV.UK  – Avoid protests, monitor the local media and follow the advice of local authorities. In recent weeks, several large scale political demonstrations have taken place on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and various suburbs in the New Territories. Clashes have taken place between police and protesters following otherwise peaceful protest activities. These have involved significant violence. Reports indicate the protests are likely to continue.
  • India – GOV.UK – Taxi drivers in Goa are currently on strike. Travel in and around the State is affected, including on the road to the airport and train stations and around hotels and beaches. You should monitor local media for latest information and follow instructions of the local authorities. Avoid large gatherings and allow more time for travel. Speak to your hotel, airline or travel company about getting to and from the airport.
  • Mali – travel.gc.ca – A demonstration is scheduled to take place on August 2, 2019, at 2 pm between the place CAN and the Monument Bouguiba, located in the commune IV and the district ACI.

Health

  • Bangladesh – GOV.UK – Mosquito borne diseases like dengue fever occur all year round. There’s been a significant increase in the number of cases of dengue fever across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
  • Bolivia – U.S. Department of State – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Notice on July 19, 2019 due to an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever in Bolivia.
  • Greece, Hungary, Romania, France – ECDC – During the West Nile virus infection transmission season, expected to be from June to November 2019, ECDC monitors the occurrence of West Nile virus infections in EU/EEA Member States and EU neighbouring countries and publishes weekly epidemiological updates to inform blood safety authorities of areas at NUTS 3 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics 3) or GAUL 1 (Global Administrative Unit Layers 1) level where at least one locally acquired human West Nile virus infection meeting the EU case definition (Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/945) has been reported.
  • Saudi Arabia – ECDC – Since the disease was first identified in Saudi Arabia in April 2012, more than 2 400 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) cases have been detected in 27 countries. In Europe, eight countries have reported confirmed cases, all with direct or indirect connections to the Middle East. The majority of MERS CoV cases continue to be reported from the Middle East. The source of the virus remains unknown, but the pattern of transmission and virological studies point toward dromedary camels in the Middle East as a reservoir from which humans sporadically become infected through zoonotic transmission. Human to human transmission is amplified among household contacts and in healthcare settings.
  • Senegal – GOV.UK – The UNAIDS 2018 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimates the prevalence percentage of HIV in Senegal as at around 0.4% of adults aged between 15 and 49 years, compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Kidnapping

  • Malaysia – GOV.AU – There is a high threat of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah, including islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities. Extremists based in the southern Philippines are particularly active in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau in eastern Sabah. Foreigners have also been kidnapped from nearby islands (Sipadan and Mataking) and surrounding waters. The risk of kidnapping increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall.

Natural Disasters and Climate

  • Haiti – travel.gc.ca – Heavy rainfall, and possible floods are expected in Haiti from July 30, 2019 and over the next few days. Exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • India – UNDispatch – Monsoons typically provide the bulk of water for Chennai, which is one of the largest cities in India. It is on the south eastern coast of the country, in the Tamil Nadu province.  This is a region that relies on seasonal monsoons to supply the bulk of water. But last year’s monsoons were exceptionally weak, causing aquifers and other water sources to run dry. Now in some neighborhoods if taps run at all, only a trickle comes out. Many neighborhoods are reliant on water trucks if they can afford it. Meanwhile many people are fleeing the city while this crisis persists.
  • Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia – UN Dispatch – The Horn of Africa region, which includes parts of Somalia, Kenya,  Ethiopia, is experiencing a severe drought. This region has been particularly vulnerable to droughts in recent years but the situation this summer has become increasingly dire and is raising the prospect of a widespread humanitarian emergency.

Ebola News

  • Cameroon, Malawi, Mozambique – travel.gc.ca – Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighboring countries you may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening and/or a health questionnaire at the airports upon boarding or disembarking a plane and at land border crossings, or to a health examination at a hospital upon arrival. If you are travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo, you may also be asked to provide the address where you will reside during your stay, as well as a telephone number to contact you.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – UNNews – The UN Security Council on Friday expressed grave concern about the current Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and stressed the urgency of broad cooperation in the response, as “the disease could spread rapidly, including to neighbouring countries, possibly having serious humanitarian consequences and impacting regional stability.”
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Since the previous CDTR and as of 31 July 2019, WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported 93 additional confirmed cases. During the same period, 61 deaths were reported. Among the new reported cases in the past week, at least seven are healthcare workers.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – CDC – An outbreak of Ebola is occurring in the North Kivu (Kivu Nord) and Ituri provinces of the DRC.  North Kivu and Ituri provinces are among the most populated in DRC. These provinces share borders with other countries (Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda) with frequent cross border movement for personal travel and trade. The provinces have been experiencing a prolonged humanitarian crisis and deteriorating security, which are limiting public health efforts to respond to this outbreak.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – GOV.UK – On 1 August 2019 border restrictions were temporarily put in place for those travelling between Goma and Rwanda, these have since been lifted but the potential for further disruption remains.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continued this week with similar transmission intensity to recent weeks, with an average of 85 cases per week (range 79 to 91 cases per week) in the past six weeks. There are currently no confirmed cases of EVD outside of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 30 July, a confirmed EVD case was reported in Nyiragongo Health Zone on the outskirts of Goma city. The case worked as a miner in Ituri Province and travelled down through several outbreak hotspots, where he likely acquired the disease. Currently, there is no indication that the case had links to the first case identified in Goma on 14 July. Given that he was ill and in the community for several days before presenting to a health facility, secondary transmission to close contacts was anticipated. Two family members, a child and spouse, have subsequently tested positive and are receiving care in the Goma Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC). Other suspected cases among contacts are awaiting test results. Bolstered by months of preparedness, a sizable response, including exhaustive contact tracing and ring vaccination, was rapidly implemented upon detection of these cases with the aim of preventing tertiary spread or sustained local transmission in Goma city. Nonetheless, teams remain ready to rapidly respond to new cases. As of 1 August 2019, there are four confirmed cases of EVD in Goma.

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.