Cook Islands: Health officials announced that cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus have been reported on the islands. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash. There is no vaccine or treatment for the virus, and travelers should use insect repellent to avoid contracting the disease.
Norway: Officials warned that right-wing Norwegian extremists are building stronger ties with Scandinavian neo-Nazi groups, which could result in rising rates of extremist activities. The neo-Nazi group Nordfront has engaged in a recruitment drive in at least six countries in Northern Europe. It also organized demonstrations in which neo-Nazi banners were unfurled at several of Sweden’s media centers and at the Holocaust Center in Oslo on Norway’s Jan. 27 Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Austria: Officials reported that a human rights group plans demonstrations every Wednesday afternoon for the foreseeable future in Vienna. The Iranian Human Rights Organization will gather in front of the U.S. Embassy in support of human rights for Iran from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Because of recent terror attacks by extremist Islamic groups in the Middle East and Europe, tensions against people of Middle Eastern descent are on the rise. Though these demonstrations are intended to be peaceful, tourists should be aware that any protest has the potential for unpredictable violence.
India: Over the last two months about 600 people have died of swine flu, including at least one tourist, and another 8,000 cases have been reported. As the country is in peak tourist season, health officials urged anyone who suspects early infection of the H1N1 virus to visit a local treatment center to prevent the virus from spreading, particularly in the worst-hit areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Children under 5 and adults over 65 are at an especially high risk of complications.
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Thailand: After some concern that tourists would be arrested and fined for bringing their own chairs to Phuket beaches — specifically Patong beach — authorities announced that beachgoers could, in fact, bring their own chairs for use on the beach. Previously, brochures were handed out stating that personal chairs were banned as of Feb. 12, but as of Feb. 14, the commander of Royal Thai Navy 3 said beach chairs are welcome. The confusion stems from a backlash against the removal of local vendors last May who for years made an illegal living charging for beach chairs and umbrellas on the public beach.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov.