Warden Message: Turkey H1N1Influenza

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Ankara issued the following Warden Message on October 16:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens in Turkey to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu.  As of October 13, the Turkish Health Ministry has reported 480 cases of H1N1 since the outbreak began this spring.  Turkish authorities continue thermal screening at the airports for passengers arriving on international flights.  Any passengers with an elevated temperature may be referred for testing and treatment.  There is no mandatory quarantine, but patients may be required to pay for treatment.  

In addition, the Embassy is aware of one school in Ankara that has closed for a week due to a small number of confirmed cases of H1N1 among its students.

If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please contact the Embassy at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation.  However, please be aware that the Embassy cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.

Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Embassy is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice.  Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  A list of local hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://turkey.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html

For more information on how to prepare for a severe pandemic, please see the State Department "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located on www.travel.state.gov.  Detailed information about 2009-H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government's federal influenza website at http://www.flu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Turkey are encouraged to register with the Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, to obtain updated travel and security information.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy.  Registration is important; it allows the Embassy and the State Department to assist you in an emergency or to contact your family in the U.S. 

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere. Tel: (90) (312) 455-5555, fax (90) (312) 468-6131.  The website is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer. Tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax: (90) (212) 335-9102. The website is http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. Tel: (90) (322) 346-6262, fax: (90) (322) 346-7916. The website is http://adana.usconsulate.gov.

The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90) (232) 464-8755.