Information for Travelers

Security Notices

Consulate General of the United States of America
American Citizens Services Unit
78, Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai 400 026, India
Telephone: 91 22 2363 3611
Facsimile: 91 22 2367 7026
E-mail: mumbaiacs@state.gov
Website: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov

Dear American citizens:

We bring this warden message to your attention so you can carefully consider the information it contains.  Please pass along the information below to the American citizens in your area or put this information on your notice boards for dissemination.  Thank you for your cooperation.

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Recent Warden Messages

This page contains the most recent messages sent via e-mail from the American Citizen Services Unit to American citizens registered with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.  If you are an American citizen and wish to receive these periodic messages directly, you must subscribe to our mailing list by registering with the Embassy here.

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IRS Representative Coming to Mumbai - Appointments Available

February 26, 2008

Dear American citizens:

We bring this message to your attention so you can carefully consider the information it contains.  Please pass along the information below to the American citizens in your area or put this information on your notice boards for dissemination.  Thank you for your cooperation.

A representative from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be in Mumbai to present a free tax seminar and hold consultations for those who are required to file U.S. federal income taxes, including American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain nonimmigrant visa holders.

Tax Seminar

The tax seminar will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the American Center in the Auditorium.  The American Center, also known in the area as "USIS," is located at 4 New Marine Lines, Churchgate, on the same street at Bombay Hospital, one block east of Churchgate station near SNDT College.  If you wish to attend the tax seminar, please call 022-2363-3611, ext. 4306 or send an e-mail to mumbaiacs@state.gov.  Please provide the names of all attendees and plan to bring photo identification to the meeting.

Individual Consultations

The tax representative will also be available for five-minute phone consultations from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2008 and Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Ten-minute in-person consultations will also be available from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on March 17 and 18, 2008 at the American Consulate General, B. Desai Road (Breach Candy), Mumbai 400026.  If you wish to make an appointment, please be prepared to address specific questions regarding your U.S. tax obligations.  The IRS representative cannot complete your tax return for you.
Appointments are required for the personal and phone-in consultations. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.  To make an appointment, please call 022-2363-3611, ext. 4306 or send an e-mail to mumbaiacs@state.gov. 

The regular deadline for calendar year filers of Form 1040 is April 15.  However, certain U.S. citizens or residents living overseas can take advantage of an automatic two month extension to file and pay any taxes owed.  To determine whether you are eligible for the two month extension, please read IRS Publication 54 “Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad,” available on the IRS’ website at www.irs.gov.  Printed copies of this document and many other IRS forms and publications are also available at the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai.

For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov Americans living or traveling in India are encouraged to register with the Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website https://travelregistration.state.gov.  The American Citizen Services of the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone 91-22-2363-3611 extn. 4306; fax 91-22-2367-7026.  The number for after-hours emergencies is 91-22-2363-3611.  The fax number is 91-22-2363-0350.  The Consulate’s email address is mumbaiacs@state.gov and its Internet web page is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for India and the Worldwide Caution, both available at http://travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, 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).

--  The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

--  The U.S. Consulate General in Calcutta (Kolkata) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400 through 2282-3615; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2857-4443. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

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WARDEN MESSAGE

February 12, 2008

Dear American citizens:

Please pass along the information below to American citizens in your area or post this for dissemination.  Thank you for your cooperation.

The U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai, would like to inform U.S. citizens living or traveling in western India that Mumbai police have filed a criminal case against Maharashtra Nav-Nirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on charges of disturbing the peace and inciting violence in Mumbai.  A political rival, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, has been charged with the same offenses.

Raj Thackeray and Abu Azmi have been arrested.  Although there is a large police and paramilitary presence in many parts of the city of Mumbai and the state of Maharashtra, there is a possibility of demonstrations and unrest.  We do not expect these to target any foreigners or Americans.  However, demonstrations can quickly turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens should avoid large crowds if possible and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  Monitor local media reports and avoid driving into affected areas or taking city trains that travel through affected areas.  Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.  Areas in Mumbai that may be particularly prone to unrest are Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mahim, and Girgaum.

For further information, please consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for India and the Worldwide Caution, as well as 'A Safe Trip Abroad' available on the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, 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).

Americans living or traveling in India are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Contact information for Consular Sections of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India is listed below.  Each of the telephone numbers listed is available 24 hours a day for emergency services.  (The '+' sign refers to your international access code, which is 011 if dialing from the United States or 00 from most other countries.)

--  The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

--  The U.S. Consulate General in Calcutta (Kolkata) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2857-4443. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

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CONSULAR WARDEN MESSAGE

Increases to U.S. Passport Fees and
New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors

February 1, 2008

On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government will increase its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services.  For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee will increase to $75.  For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee will increase to $100.  The fee for minors under 16 years of age will be $85. 

Effective February 1, 2008, passport applicants who are U.S. citizen minors under the age of 16 must appear personally with their parents to establish identity, proof of citizenship and proof of relationship.   For parental application permission, both parents must appear together and sign or one parent may appear to sign and submit the other parent’s notarized statement, or one parent may appear, sign, and submit primary evidence of sole authority.  Minors age 16 and 17 may apply in person with their own identification, but for security reasons, parental consent may be required.  If your child does not have identification of their own, a parent will be required to accompany the child and present identification.

Please refer to the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov for complete information on all new requirements, including downloadable revised forms that must be used as of February 1, and the U.S. Embassy website at http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov, for complete U.S. passport application instructions.

Americans traveling to India should regularly monitor the U.S. Consulate’s website http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  We also highly recommend all U.S. Citizens to make copies of their passports and Indian visa and keep them in a safe and accessible location.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in India are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.  U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Consulate via e-mail or by calling Mumbai. This complete message is available on the Consulate’s website at http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov .

For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov Americans living or traveling in India are encouraged to register with the Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website.  The American Citizen Services of the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone 91-22-2363-3611 extn. 4306; fax 91-22-2367-7026.  The number for after-hours emergencies is 91-22-2363-3611.  The fax number is 91-22-2363-0350.  The Consulate’s email address is mumbaiacs@state.gov and its Internet web page is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for India and the Worldwide Caution, both available at http://travel.state.gov.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, 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).

--  The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

--  The U.S. Consulate General in Calcutta (Kolkata) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400 through 2282-3615; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2857-4443. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

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Warden Message -AVIAN INFLUENZA INFORMATION FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS

January 24, 2008

The United States Mission is monitoring carefully the outbreak of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Eastern India.  The Government of India has confirmed that the outbreak is spreading to other districts of the state of West Bengal, and unconfirmed reports have been received from districts near Kolkata.  U.S. citizens should monitor local media for developments and the latest information on affected areas so that they can avoid travel to the areas with concentrations of the disease.  It is also very important that U.S. citizens follow the advice of local government health officials who are responding to the outbreak.

All U.S. citizens are encouraged to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands, scrupulously cleaning food preparation areas, and fully cooking food.  In addition, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid close contact with any fowl, such as chickens and ducks, to stay clear of any sick birds, and to not visit “wet” markets where poultry are slaughtered.   

The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata will host a “town hall” meeting on Friday, January 25, 2008, at 2:30 PM for all U.S. citizens to answer questions regarding Avian Influenza. The meeting will take place in the Lincoln Room at the American Center, located at  38-A, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700 071.

While it is possible that humans will eventually contract this deadly disease, U.S. citizens in India are reminded that Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds.  People who have contracted Avian Influenza have generally had close and prolonged contact with infected birds (usually chickens or ducks), their feces, or their blood.  Human-to-human transmission has been exceptional, and has been the result of sustained, close contact with the infected individual.

All U.S. citizens should consider their medium-term plans in the unlikely event that Avian Influenza ever becomes a virulent human disease, or pandemic flu.  Pandemic planning information is available at www.pandemicflu.gov.

For further information on avian influenza, the U.S. Embassy suggests that you consult the U.S. Department of State's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.htm, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm. World Health Organization (WHO) guidance related to Avian Influenza is available at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/.
Americans living or traveling in India are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within India. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy or the nearest Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Publics Announcements can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, 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).

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information. Each of the telephone numbers listed below is available 24 hours a day for emergency services. 

---The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407.  The Embassy’s Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

---The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is located at Lincoln House,  78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350.  Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

---The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071, telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335.  The internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov.

---The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2857-4344.  The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

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Worldwide Caution 

January 18, 2008

The Department of State has updated the Worldwide Caution on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world.  American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 9, 2007.  Please refer to the following link for the updated Worldwide Caution:  http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html#

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                                          Warden Message - Cyclone Sidr

November 13, 2007

This Warden Message is to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the Orissa and West Bengal regions of India to Cyclone Sidr, which is in the Bay of Bengal and headed north northwest towards the northern Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh.  The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts the cyclone will make landfall sometime later this week and will strengthen as it approaches land.  Its winds could reach the equivalent of category 4 hurricane force with wind gusts of up to 225-280 km/h.  Urge all U.S. citizens in your area that they should monitor the progress of the storm in local media. Cyclone Sidr can be expected to cause heavy rains, flooding, strong winds, damage to buildings, and other life threatening conditions.  Americans in the region should immediately prepare for the possibility that they could be without power and/or communications and unable to move by road for some time if the storm hits their area. Airports and seaports are also likely to be closed should the storm intensify as expected.  Americans should carefully monitor all weather advisories and be prepared to seek shelter farther inland.

For additional information on cyclones and hurricanes, their effects, and steps you should take to prepare for a cyclone or hurricane, please see the checklist issued by the State Departmentʼs Bureau of Consular Affairs at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html. Additional useful links are listed at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata, India, can be reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) by telephone at 033-3984-2443; by fax at 033-2282-2335; and by e-mail at consularkolkata@state.gov . After hours, in case of emergency, a duty officer can be reached by calling the Consulate switchboard at 033-3984-2400.

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October 12, 2007

Given the explosion at the revered Dargah Sharif in Ajmer and the recent bombings in Hyderabad, the Consulate urges all Americans to maintain vigilance, particularly during the upcoming period of religious holidays in India, when the risk of terrorist attacks historically increases. U.S. citizens are encouraged to read the Department of State’s Worldwide Caution Announcement of October 9 and familiarize themselves with the Safety and Security section of our Consular Information Sheet. Both are located on our Consulate website http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

The Consulate strongly recommends that all American citizens in India register their presence and check for the latest security information on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, 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).

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Consulate or the Consulates General for further information. Each of the telephone numbers listed below is available 24 hours a day for emergency services.

---The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy’s Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

---The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

---The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071, telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov.

---The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2857-4344. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

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Worldwide Caution

October 09, 2007

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas.  This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated April 10, 2007.   

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. 

Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries.  Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. 

In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.  The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets. 

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests.  Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays.  In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people.  In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London.  Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples.    

In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems.  In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.  In June 2007, a car was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames.  The car bomb failed to detonate.   
 
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Country Specific Information (India) Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

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FAQs on Preventative Measures for Avian lnfluenza

How do people become infected by Avian Influenza?

Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by their feces, is presently considered the main route of human infection. To date, most human cases have occurred in rural or periurban areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely, sometimes entering homes or sharing outdoor areas where children play. As infected birds shed large quantities of virus in their feces, opportunities for exposure to infected droppings or to environments contaminated by the virus, are abundant under such conditions. Moreover, because many households in Asia depend on poultry for income and food, many families sell or slaughter and consume birds when signs of illness appear in a flock, and this practice has proved difficult to change. Exposure is considered most likely during slaughter, defeathering, butchering, and preparation of poultry for cooking.

Is it safe for my family to eat poultry and poultry products?

Yes, though certain precautions should be followed in countries currently experiencing outbreaks. Poultry and poultry products can be safely consumed provided they are properly cooked and properly handled. The H5N1 virus is sensitive to heat. Normal temperatures used for cooking (70oC in all parts of the food) will kill the virus. Consumers need to be sure that all parts of the poultry are fully cooked (no "pink" parts). Frozen chicken which has been imported from countries with no reported H5N1 outbreaks is considered safe. The above precautions are extremely important to follow when buying chicken on the local Indian market.

Is it safe to eat eggs?

As always the outside of the eggs should always be washed thoroughly, and that all eggs should be properly cooked (no "runny" yolks).

Consumers should also be aware of the risk of cross-contamination. Juices from raw poultry and poultry products should never be allowed, during food preparation, to touch or mix with items eaten raw. When handling raw poultry or raw poultry products, those preparing the food, should wash their hands thoroughly and clean and disinfect surfaces which come into contact with the poultry products. Soap and hot water are sufficient for this purpose. Poultry and raw eggs should not be used in foods that will not be further heat-treated as, for example by cooking or baking. Therefore, caution must be taken when eating in restaurants which may be serving sauces or salad dressings containing undercooked egg products such as hollandaise sauce.

Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked food. To date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even when these foods were contaminated with the H5N1 virus.

How should I wash my kitchen utensils after handling poultry?

It has been shown that the virus is sensitive to most detergents so that soap and not just water is important in killing the virus. Use a separate cutting board for poultry and carefully wash the board as well as utensils after use. You can follow this with a sanitizing solution of bleach: 1 TBSP bleach to 1 gallon or 4 liters of water.

Where can I safely buy poultry products?

At this point, we advise that you do not go to live poultry markets or meat markets where chickens are butchered. Instead, you buy poultry already prepared and wrapped in refrigerators in stores. We also advise you avoid going to any poultry farms (large or small) in India or other countries that have had avian influenza outbreaks.

Does the virus spread easily from birds to humans?

No, though 319 human cases have occurred with 192 deaths (as of July 2007), this is a small number compared with the huge number of birds affected and the numerous associated opportunities for human exposure, especially in areas where backyard flocks are common. It is not presently understood why some people, and not others, become infected following similar exposures.

What about human-to-human transmission?Although there is evidence to suggest very limited, human-to-human transmission in family groups involving close exposure to a critically ill member, there is no evidence that the virus can be easily or sustainably transmitted from human-to-human.

Can my children visit zoos?

Yes, but it is recommended that they do not visit the aviary section(s) of the zoo.

For more information, visit the following website: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/