Avian Flu

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy - Lome
June 4, 2007

In April 2007, the Government of Ghana confirmed its first cases of birds infected with the H5NI (Avian Flu) virus.  Five hundred birds, mostly chickens, on a small farm near the eastern town of Tema have died from the virus.  A second report of avian flu was reported in Sunyani, Ghana on May 22, 2007.

To date, there have been no cases of avian flu in Togo. However, due to its proximity to Ghana, American Citizens are urged to take the following safety precautions:
· Avoid contact with live birds
· Cook poultry thoroughly before consumption
· Avoid cross-contamination by using separate kitchen utensils and surfaces for raw poultry and other foods
· Wash hands with soup and hot water after any poultry contact
· Avoid poultry products from areas of infected birds
As part of worldwide Pandemic Flu preparedness, the Embassy advises American citizens in Togo to maintain supplies of water, non-perishable food, and medicines to last at least two (2) and up to twelve (12) weeks.  Citizens and their families should be certain to get their regular yearly flu vaccinations from their health care providers.  See the Department of State’s flyer “ How to Prepare for ‘Sheltering in Place.’”
For more information on Avian Influenza and Pandemic Flu preparedness, visit www.cdc.gov, www.who.int, and www.pandemicflu.gov. 
Sources:
http://accra.usembassy.gov/wwwhaflu.html
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
www.travel.state.gov
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_3096.html

Americans living or traveling in Togo are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Togo.  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 on Boulevard Eyadema, Neighborhood Lomé II, Lomé; telephone (228) 261-5470, fax (228) 261-5499. The local mailing address is B.P. 852, Lomé. Its web site is http://lome.usembassy.gov/.