Warden Message: Morocco Releases H1N1 Information

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Consulate General Casablanca released the following Warden Message on October 15:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu.  The Ministry of Health has reported 168 confirmed cases since its outbreak. Of these cases, 160 have already left medical facilities after receiving medical treatment.  Moroccan authorities have equipped most ports and airports with thermal cameras, and have designated a medical unit for diagnosis.  The Ministry of Health has also posted information at its website and distributed a brochure containing basic information and precautions against H1N1.

(http://srvweb.sante.gov.ma/Documents/Procédures%20AH1N1%20mai%2009[1].ppt.pdf).

If you are quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009- H1N1 influenza, please contact the Consulate General at the number below and let us know, so we can monitor your situation.  However, please be aware that the Consulate General cannot demand your immediate release if you have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.

Due to legal restrictions and a lack of sufficient resources, the Consulate General is not in a position to provide private citizens with pandemic- related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including vaccines, and cannot provide specific medical advice.  Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  A list of local hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at:  http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov 

For more information on how to prepare for a severe pandemic, please see the State Department "Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet" and "Options During a Pandemic" flyer located on www.travel.state.gov.  Detailed information about 2009-H1N1 influenza can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government's federal influenza website at http://www.flu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Morocco are encouraged to register with the Consulate General through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, to obtain updated travel and security information.  U.S. citizens without internet access may register directly with the Consulate General.  Registration is important; it allows the Consulate General and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.

The Consulate General is located at 8, Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca 20000.  The Consulate General telephone number is 0522 26 71 51.  The Consulate General fax number is 0522 29 77 01.  For after-hours emergencies, please call 0661 17 23 67.  If you are calling from outside Morocco, please substitute 212 for the initial 0 in these numbers.