Travel Alert

Polio Alert

June 13, 2006

In response to several queries related to the ongoing polio outbreak in Namibia, the U.S. Embassy offers the following information for American citizens traveling to and from Namibia. This information supplements the U.S. Embassy Warden Notice dated June 2, 2006.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) monitors the polio situation worldwide. The CDC maintains up-to-date information on the situation as it affects U.S. travelers on its Travelers' Health website http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. The notice regarding polio is under Outbreaks (on the right border under Travel Notices) http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/poliomyelitis_recent_outbreaks_2005.htm and includes Namibia. There are currently no polio-related travel restrictions for individuals traveling to and from Namibia; however, the CDC advises all departing U.S. travelers to be current on their immunizations.
An explanation of the four levels of Travel notices (In the News, Outbreak, Travel Precaution, and Travel Warning) are found by using the hyperlink at the bottom right of the web page or directly at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/outbreaks.htm notice key.
Please refer to the CDC home page http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ to obtain current recommendations on a regular basis for not just the polio situation but other evolving situations, such as Avian Influenza, measles, Chickungunya, and other diseases.
The website also contains information, where appropriate, destined for American expatriate communities: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/avian_flu_ig_americans_abroad_032405.htm..
For additional information on polio, visit:
http://www.polioeradication.org/disease.asp..
A fact sheet can be found at the following address: http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/fspolio.doc.
The CDC also provides information for travelers at: http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=dis&obj=polio.htm&cssNav=browseoyb..
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Namibia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek or through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Namibia. 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 14 Lossen Street, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek. Consular Section personnel can be reached at telephone (061) 221-601, fax (061) 229-792, and e-mail: consularwindho@state.gov. The Embassy website is http://www.usembassy.namib.com/. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency phone number is 081-127-4384