British High Commission
Community Notice

Swine flu pandemic

The number of confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) across the world continues to grow.  On 11 June the World Health Organisation raised the pandemic alert to Phase 6.  This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus in more than one WHO region.  The alert phase refers to the geographical spread of the pandemic, not its severity.

Although the global alert has been raised to its highest level, there remains no change to our advice to British nationals in Cyprus.  Our specific advice can be found at: 

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu

Previous Notice

You are receiving this message as a British National who has registered on the Locate website as being in Cyprus.  This is the second update on swine flu outbreaks.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.  Comprehensive advice and information on the current situation can be found on the WHO website.

On 29 April the WHO raised the pandemic alert level to phase 5.   This is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region.

To date there have been no reports of suspected cases of swine flu (H1N1) in Cyprus.

In order for you to keep up to date on any further developments, you should closely monitor the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice for our latest advice.  There is also a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website.

The following websites can also provide any additional information (please click on the links):

World Health Organisation

UK Department of Health

Health Protection Agency

National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:

Following the raising of the alert level to phase 5 by the WHO we have advised British High Commission staff to pay close attention to the information on the Department of Health website (link above).  We also advise staff that:

·        Tamiflu is not suitable for everyone (eg infants and pregnant or breast-feeding women) and you should seek advice on what alternatives can be recommended.  Staff and dependants who may be more vulnerable to complications (eg those with asthma, chronic renal disease or diabetes mellitus) should also seek extra advice and should contact their doctor for tailor-made advice about what medication is safe for them in the event of Tamiflu being necessary.

·        If you (or any dependants) start feeling ill with flu-like symptoms you should stay at home and seek medical advice by telephone

How this epidemic will affect Cyprus and how serious it will be as a health risk worldwide is far from clear.  But things could change rapidly, and I wanted British Nationals in Cyprus to have the best sources of information and advice available to them.  Depending on developments, there is a possibility that the level of consular assistance and visa service which we can provide may be significantly reduced, or in certain circumstances we may have to close the Mission temporarily to prevent the spread of infection.  We will let you know if the situation disrupts our operation.

Please note that we are not able to offer any medical treatment or supplies.  You should seek local medical advice if you feel it necessary.  The British Government will not be in the position to offer evacuation of British Nationals in the event of an influenza pandemic.

If you have further questions, please email us at: nicosia.consular@fco.gov.uk

Could I also use this opportunity to remind you that only you can update your details on Locate using your user name and password.  If you do not wish to receive further notifications like this, you should access the database and amend your details. And please understand that annual renewal is required, but an automatic reminder is sent to you as a prompt every 12 months.

  Peter Millett

British High Commissioner