Warden Message: Coordination of Response to Avian Influenza - Sierra Leone

Consular Affairs Bulletins

Sub-Saharan Africa - Sierra Leone
23 May 2006

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The U.S. Embassy Freetown issued the following Warden Message on May 23, 2006:

Attention all American citizens:

This message is to inform you that the Office of National Security has been given responsibility for coordinating a response to a potential outbreak of avian influenza in Sierra Leone. To date there are no known cases of the H5N1 virus in country. The Government of Sierra Leone asks that you notify government veterinarians immediately if you find any bird corpses. Once notified, the authorities will obtain samples and test them for the H5N1 virus.

There are two numbers to call: Lansana Conteh at 076 603 674 and Frances Sankoh at 076 734 580 or 033 485 089.

For information on travel in Sierra Leone, see the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1016.html  on the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov . Up-to-date information on safety and security is available at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers in other countries, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

For information on Avian Influenza and Pandemic Flu preparedness, see www.cdc.gov , www.who.int , and www.pandemicflu.gov . For additional information on avian influenza as it affects American citizens residing abroad, see the U.S. Department of State's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html .

U.S. citizens in Sierra Leone are strongly encouraged to register with the Department of State at https://travelregistration.state.gov . Anyone without Internet access may register in person at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown and obtain information there on travel and security in Sierra Leone.

The U.S. Embassy is located at the corners of Siaka Stevens and Walpole Streets in Freetown. Telephone numbers for American citizens emergencies are 226-481 and, after hours, 227-998. Our web site is http://freetown.usembassy.gov