Warden Message: Croatia H1N1 Information

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Zagreb released the following Warden Message November 2:

This Warden Message updates a May 1, 2009 message and alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza A, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The Ministry of Health reports that as of October 27 there have been 268 laboratory confirmed cases of 2009-H1N1 Influenza A infection in Croatia. The Health Ministry advises that it is following the latest developments and is in touch with all relevant global institutions. Travelers arriving from affected areas are advised to contact the infectious disease ward of their local hospital if they have flu-like symptoms. The government has announced the establishment of a crisis center that will provide necessary instructions in case of a 2009-H1N1 Influenza A outbreak.

In addition to recommending the below websites for information concerning H1N1 and possible infection, the American Embassy in Zagreb will take the following actions to protect embassy personnel against H1N1:

- Advise employees not to come to work if they have flu-like symptoms or a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 F).

- Recommend that anyone with such symptoms contact their regular healthcare provider for further guidance.

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.

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 (CDC) 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 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.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Croatia are encouraged to register with the U.S. 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 U.S. Embassy in Zagreb.  Registration is important; it allows the Embassy and State Department to assist you in an emergency. 

The U.S. Embassy is located at ul. Thomasa Jeffersona 2, Buzin 10010.  The Embassy telephone number is 1-661-2200; the Embassy fax number is 1-665-8933.  For after-hours emergencies please call 1-661-2400.