082019 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

Crime and Social Unrest

• India – GOV.UK – The FCO advise against all travel to the city of Srinagar and on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway; if you’re in areas of Jammu and Kashmir where the FCO advise against all travel, consider carefully your need to remain and keep your departure options under close review

Conflict and Terrorism

• Myanmar – GOV.UK – The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Rakhine State, except the southern townships (administrative areas similar to a borough or county) of Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Munaung, Toungup, Thandwe (including the tourist resort of Ngapali) and Gwa, Paletwa township, in southern Chin State, due to active armed conflict. If you’re visiting Mount Victoria in Mindat township, you should seek advice from tour operators or guides before travel, Shan State (North), Within 10km of the town of Pyin Oo Lwin (in Mandalay Region, and travel on the road to Kyaukme north of Pyin Oo Lwin), Kachin State (except the towns of Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao) due to continued risk of armed conflict.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Democratic Republic of Congo- UNNews – Two months since hundreds of thousands of people fled violence in north eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UN humanitarians warned on Friday that armed militia continue to make their safe return impossible.
• Kenya – GOV.UK – There’s a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya, including to people travelling in or through Nairobi, the coast and resort areas around Mombasa and Malindi and their surrounding areas, and the northern border counties. Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners. Attacks could be indiscriminate in places frequented by foreigners including hotels, bars, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, commercial buildings, coastal areas including beaches, government buildings, airports, buses, trains and other transport hubs. Places of worship including churches and mosques have also been targeted. Be particularly vigilant in these areas.
• Myanmar – GC.CA, GOV.AU – On August 15, 2019, several coordinated attacks took place in the town of Pyin Oo Lwin, in Mandalay Division, as well as in the township of Naung Cho (Nawnghkio) in northern Shan State. Clashes between the military and armed groups have continued, including on August 17. There was an attack at Nam Ton Pan Hat near Lashio and a military battalion in Kyaukmae was also attacked. Two bridges in the area have been destroyed. Road and rail infrastructure has been damaged and connections are disrupted in the area. Local authorities have evacuated foreign nationals and cancelled all tours in Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Division, Nawnnghkio and Hsipaw in Shan State. The situation is volatile and further violence is possible. The security situation could deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Norway – GOV.UK – Terrorist attacks in Norway can’t be ruled out. On 10 August 2019, police arrested a man after shots were fired in an incident at the Al Noor Mosque in Baerum, a suburb west of Oslo. Police are investigating this as a potential terrorist act.
• Pakistan – GOV.UK – The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to the areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province formerly known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the districts of Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner and Lower Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the city of Peshawar and districts south of the city, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass, northern and western Balochistan Province, travel on the Karakoram Highway between Islamabad and Gilgit, the immediate vinicity of the Line of Control.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Cameroon – GOV.UK – Armed separatists have announced that they will impose a general strike in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon from Monday 2 to Friday 6 September and Monday 9 September to Friday 13 September. You should monitor local media to check for the latest information about the shutdown. Armed separatists also imposed an extended general strike in February 2019, with reports of violence and loss of life. Urban transport in towns and cities was affected and vehicular traffic in and out of the region was restricted. Incidents of sporadic gunfire also occurred, including shooting in Bamenda, Buea and the outskirts of Limbe.
• Hong Kong – U.S. Department of State, GC.CA, GOV.UK, GOV.AU– Since June 2019, several large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including at Hong Kong International Airport. Most have been peaceful, but some have turned confrontational or resulted in violent clashes. Police have used a variety of crowd control measures, including the deployment of tear gas. The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighborhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies. These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue. You should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and move away quickly to a safe place if there are signs of disorder.
• Kyrgyzstan – GOV.UK, U.S. Department of State – Since an operation to arrest former President Atambayev there have been a number of demonstrations and acts of civil disturbance, including some with violent elements in and around Bishkek. While political tensions remain it is possible there will be further demonstrations and disturbance in the capital, though incidents may also occur in other parts of the country. You should remain vigilant, avoid all demonstrations and continue to monitor travel advice and local media reporting for updates on any further developments.

Demonstrations

• Afghanistan – GOV.UK – Presidential elections are scheduled for 28 September 2019. Political events, rallies and polling stations have been the target of violent attacks during previous elections. You should avoid all political demonstrations and public gatherings. Keep up to date with developments in the security situation, including through monitoring local media.
• Chile – GOV.UK – On 10 and 11 August 2019, anti and pro immigrant marches are scheduled to take place in downtown Santiago, including Plaza Italia. If you have to travel to the area you should remain vigilant at all times and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Tunisia – GC.CA – Presidential elections are due to take place on September 15, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
• Zimbabwe – GOV.UK – There are a series of planned demonstrations in the urban areas across Zimbabwe. You are advised to avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations. These can be unpredictable and may turn violent without notice and the response from the security forces may be disproportionate; you should exercise a high degree of caution and monitor local media and this travel advice for updates.

Entry and Exit

• Indonesia – GOV.UK – Some Indonesian embassies don’t issue Indonesian visas in ETDs. Contact your nearest Indonesian Embassy to check before you apply.

Health

• Australia – GOV.UK – Swimming safety. Rip currents are the main surf hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach, and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Take the following simple precautions (FLAGS): F – Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them. L – Look out for any safety signs. A – Ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for advice before entering the water. G – Get a friend to swim with you. S – Stick your hand up, try to stay calm, and call for help if you get into trouble.
• Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria – ECDC – From 9/15 August 2019, EU Member States reported 22 human cases of West Nile virus infection, in Greece (14), Romania (4), Cyprus (3) and Bulgaria (1). One human case was reported for the first time in Montana, Bulgaria. All other human cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, two deaths were reported in Greece (1) and Romania (1).
• Japan – CDC – Rubella, also called German measles, is a disease spread by the coughs and sneezes of infected people. Symptoms include rash and fever for 2–3 days. Rubella is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and her developing baby. If a pregnant woman gets rubella virus, her baby could have birth defects such as deafness, cataracts (blurred vision), heart defects, mental disabilities, and organ damage. Health officials in Japan have reported an outbreak of rubella. Most cases continue to be reported in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama).
• Mexico – GOV.AU – Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cyclosporiasis, hepatitis, typhoid, tuberculosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid ice cubes. Avoid uncooked and undercooked food. Seek medical attention if you have a fever or suffer from diarrhoea.
• Nicaragua – GOV.UK -Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean. There has been a recent significant increase in the number of reported cases and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health has declared an epidemiological alert for the mosquito borne virus. Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Nicaragua.
• Nigeria – CDC – Since September 2017, an outbreak of monkeypox has been ongoing in Nigeria. As of April 2019, health officials have reported more than 300 cases of monkeypox, including multiple deaths. In late 2018, three travelers infected with monkeypox in Nigeria returned home (two to the United Kingdom and one to Israel). There was also a reported secondary case of the disease in a health care worker in the United Kingdom. Most recently, in May 2019, the Singapore Ministry of Health reported a fourth exported case of the disease in a traveler who arrived from Nigeria. These are the first cases of monkeypox reported outside Africa since 2003.
• Nigeria – CDC – The Nigeria Center for Disease Control has declared an outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria due to an increase in the number of cases reported across the country since the beginning of the year. Cases have been identified in several states. Most cases have been found in Edo and Ondo states.
• Saudi Arabia – CDC – The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings. In 2019, Hajj will take place August 9/14. Because of the crowds, mass gatherings such as Hajj are associated with unique health risks. Before you go, visit a travel health specialist for advice, make sure you are up to date on all routine and travel related vaccines, and learn about other health and safety issues that could affect you during your trip.
• South Korea – GOV.AU – There’s an outbreak of Hepatitis A in South Korea. Boil tap water before drinking or cooking.
• Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland – ECDC – Elevated sea surface temperatures (SST) in marine environments with low salt content offer optimal environmental growth conditions for certain Vibrio species. About a dozen Vibrio species can cause human illness, known as vibriosis. Most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Certain Vibrio species can also cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water. These conditions can be found during the summer months in estuaries and enclosed water bodies with moderate salinity. As of 15 August 2019, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth in the Baltic Sea was identified as very low to low except in Helsingborg and Kalmar Strait (Sweden), Helsingor and Storstroms (Denmark), Szczecin Lagoon (Germany and Poland), Kolobrzeg, Koszalin, Lake Gardno and Vistula Lagoon (Poland) and Curonian Lagoon (Lithuania), where it was identified as medium to high. For the next five days, the environmental suitability for Vibrio growth in the Baltic Sea will decrease. It is considered to be very low to low except in Gdansk (Poland), where it is considered as medium to high.
• Venezuela – CDC – There has been a breakdown of the medical infrastructure in Venezuela. There are shortages of food, water, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies that have contributed to an increasing humanitarian crisis affecting much of the country. Adequate health care is currently not available through the public health system in Venezuela.
• Yemen – CDC – There is a widespread cholera outbreak in Yemen. From October 2016 to June 2019, more than 1.8 million cholera cases and over 3,500 deaths have been reported. Twenty one of the country’s 23 governorates have reported suspected cases. Public health officials are responding by establishing treatment facilities, training healthcare workers, providing medical supplies, purifying water, and deploying staff trained to detect and respond to cases quickly.

Natural Disaster and Climate

• Greece – GOV.UK – A wildfire in Illea region, Manolada has meant that the National road between Payras and Pyrgos has been closed. Wildfires are ongoing in the Psachna area of the island of Evia (north of Athens) and in the Corianthiakos Bay area of Thiva (north west of Athens). The Greek authorities have evacuated villages in Evia as a precaution, and the Greek authority wildfire alert remains at category 5 (red alert). Smoke from the fire on Evia is also affecting Athens. Local authorities have advised that anyone with breathing difficulties should remain indoors and switch off air conditioning units. If you’re in affected areas, follow the advice of the Greek authorities and monitor the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection for updates.
• Japan – GOV.UK – Severe tropical storm Krosa is expected to make landfall in western Japan by 15 August and move across western Japan over the following days. Heavy rain, strong winds and high tides are forecast with a risk of flooding and landslides in affected areas.
• Papua New Guinea – GOV.UK – Mount Bagana in Bougainville erupted on 13 August. Air Niugini has suspended flights to the Buka and Hoskins airports following the Ulawun volcano on 3 August. Visitors should check with their airline / travel operator if visiting Bougainville and New Britain.

Other

• India – GOV.UK – India celebrates Independence Day on 15 August. It is also a national holiday. Large public celebrations are expected throughout India on the day. There are increased security checks and traffic restrictions ahead of Independence Day. You should remain vigilant and avoid large crowds of people and public events.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of Congo – ECDC – As of 14 August 2019, at least 151 healthcare workers have been infected.  The fact that the outbreak is ongoing in areas with cross-border population flow with Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda remains of particular concern. Recent case movements from Beni to non-affected areas are not unexpected. So far, the identification of these imported cases or the PHEIC does not change the overall risk for the EU/EEA, which remains very low.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – CDC – 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. The US Department of State has identified this part of the country as a “do not travel” zone because of crime, Ebola, and kidnapping.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – WHO – Substantial rates of transmission continue within outbreak affected areas of North Kivu and Ituri provinces, with demonstrated extension to new high risk areas and across borders in recent months, although without sustained local transmission in these areas.  The last assessment, carried out on 5 August 2019, concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low.
• Democratic Republic of Congo – GOV.UK – New cases continue to be reported across the affected areas including the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Cases have been confirmed in Goma since 14 July 2019. If you are in these areas you should take precautions to minimise your risk of exposure. Travel to an Ebola affected area may restrict your ability to obtain travel insurance. If you intend to travel to Ebola affected areas of DRC, you’re advised to speak to your travel insurance provider and discuss any exclusions that may arise.
• Rwanda – GOV.UK – The Rwandan government has put in place screening procedures for Ebola at all entry points, including land borders and at airports. Specific requirements remain in place for anyone wishing to enter Rwanda from Ebola affected areas of DRC.

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.