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Warden Messages

Warden Message
June 26, 2009


This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1.  The State Health Agency has confirmed 1 case of 2009-H1N1 Influenza in Latvia. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy in Riga cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.

Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the U.S. Embassy in Riga cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website athttp://riga.usembassy.gov/illness2.html

Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Riga is NOT advising Americans in Latvia to depart.  At this time, the U.S. Embassy in Riga advises that Americans review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to remain in Latvia.

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department's "Pandemic/Avian Influenza" and "Remain in Country" fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov.  Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html .

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Americans living or traveling in Latvia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Latvia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Raina bulv. 7, Riga, tel: 67036200, fax: 67814088, e-mail: AskConsular@USRiga.lv, website:
http://riga.usembassy.gov