Pandemic Influenza Information
The World Health Organization (WHO) which monitors and evaluates influenza outbreaks (http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html) around the world to determine if there is a "pandemic," currently focusing on H1N1 Influenza A (also known as "swine flu"). On June 11, the WHO raised its alert level to "6" which signifies that a pandemic is under way. The WHO, however, continues to assess the severity of the pandemic as "moderate."
The Lithuanian Health Protection Ministry (LHPM) has confirmed many cases of H1N1 Influenza A in Lithuania. Most reported cases have showed only moderate symptoms. There has been one reported death in Lithuania due to H1N1. The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius will continue to monitor the situation in Lithuania. Please see also the LHPM website for updated information: http://www.sam.lt/go.php/lit/IMG/574 (Lithuanian language) or http://www.sam.lt/go.php/lit/Information_in_English/617 (for English).
American citizens should keep in mind common-sense planning steps they can take in the case of a pandemic influenza outbreak, whether derived from avian influenza, "swine flu" or some other influenza virus.
A useful checklist for steps that you can take now is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/familyguide.html.
The following are resources that may be helpful for planning purposes:
The U.S. Government's general information on pandemic influenza planning available at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/.
The U.S. Department of State's general information on H1N1 flu (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4493.html) and
avian influenza (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information on H1N1 flu (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/) and avian influenza (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm). Also, listen to a useful CDC podcast about the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak (http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=11226).
Private American citizens should be aware that it may not be possible to travel during a pandemic influenza outbreak. Governments may close borders suddenly and without advance warning; commercial air, land and sea carriers could curtail or cancel service; and restricting travel may be the best way to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. These developments could impede a return to the United States or travel to another country or region. Therefore, Americans who are overseas during a pandemic may need to remain where they are until conditions improve, a situation which could last several months.
Private American Citizens Living and/or Working Overseas: Consider local conditions and evaluate your ability to maintain adequate supplies of food, water, and medication should a pandemic result in borders closing or disruptions in international travel. Decide on your optimal location in a pandemic and plan accordingly. The Lithuanian Health Protection Ministry (Lietuvos Sveikatos Apsaugos Ministerija) has a free telephone line available during business hours for persons with questions: +370 800 66 004. They also have a Health Emergency Situations Center available for after-hours questions about emergency situations at +370 5 261 9888. Please see also their website at http://www.sam.lt/go.php/lit/Information_in_English/617.
At this time, there is no H1N1 vaccine available in Lithuania. Even if vaccine does become available, the government likely will give priority to high-risk groups, such as health care workers, pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses.
Please keep in mind that the U.S. Embassy lacks the legal authority and resources to dispense medications, vaccines or medical care to private American citizens living in Lithuania. If you are a private American citizen (e.g., living, working, touring, studying overseas) you will need to rely on local health care providers and locally-available medications since U.S. government facilities will not be able to provide medications or treat you.
Short-Term Visitors, Tourists, and Students Abroad: Consult with your doctor before you travel and ask about medications you should take with you. Research the availability and quality of medical facilities at your destination. Be aware that hotels may cease to provide housekeeping and food services during a pandemic. Consider changing your travel plans or returning to the U.S. once there is evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, since commercial air transport may become unavailable at an early point.
Plan to Remain in Country: If the WHO declares a severe pandemic, Americans who are overseas should be prepared to remain in country for an extended period. You should avoid non-essential travel beyond your home and workplace and you should limit activities that could expose you to others who may be ill. Based on varying conditions abroad, Americans should prepare contingency plans and emergency supplies (non-perishable food, potable water or water-purification supplies, medication, etc.) for the possibility of remaining in country for at least two and up to twelve weeks. Visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov to see examples of comprehensive planning checklists for individuals, businesses, schools, and other groups.
What Can You Do? You should wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to eradicate viruses and bacteria. When soap and water are not available, apply a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol content. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Ask your employer, organization or school about pandemic contingency plans. And please review detailed community mitigation guidelines as well as information on the use of masks and anti-viral medications in a pandemic, also available on http://www.pandemicflu.gov.
What About During a Pandemic? During a pandemic, people should practice social distancing measures such as teleworking, limiting face-to-face meetings, avoiding crowds, and maintaining a distance of six (6) feet or more from other people. Healthy employees should consult with their employer about reporting to work during a pandemic, taking into account local conditions and the risk of infection. Sick people, or those who reside with a sick person, should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action which could include home treatment.
Keep Informed: American citizens living in or traveling to countries with human or animal cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza or swine flu should consider the potential risks and plan accordingly. Keep current with the latest medical guidance and practical information.
Visit http://travel.state.gov to review the Country-Specific Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Alerts for up-to-date assessments of conditions in specific countries, as well as to obtain additional information on pandemic influenza.
Additional information about conditions in Lithuania could be provided from time to time to those American citizens who are registered with us via e-mailed "warden messages."
If you are an American citizen who is living in Lithuania, or visiting Lithuania, please register with us (http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/registration.html) to ensure that you receive the latest information.
