Warden Message

U.S. Consulate General
Kolkata, India
January 15, 2008

OUTBREAK OF AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WEST BENGAL

The Government of India’s Ministry of Health has confirmed localized outbreaks of Avian Influenza, H5N1 strain, in the Birbhum and South Dinajpur regions in the East Indian state of West Bengal. Birbhum is located approximately 200 miles north of Kolkata. South Dinajpur is located approximately 350 miles north of Kolkata. American citizens traveling in the region should take all necessary precautions. For details please refer to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html. The outbreak has affected poultry but there are no reported human cases.

The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata is located at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata, India 700071 and can be reached by telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Consulate's Internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov. For the latest security information, Americans living traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Announcements, Travel Warnings, and 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 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).