CDC Announcement Guidance for U.S. Residents in Haiti - Updated January 14

[sharon sanders]

Announcement
Guidance for U.S. Residents in Haiti
This information is current as of today, January 14, 2010 at 21:17 EST

Updated: January 14, 2010

Travel Health Warning: Major Earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Avoid Nonessential Travel to Haiti
Guidance for Relief Workers and Others Traveling to Haiti for Earthquake Response

Current Situation

On January 12 at approximately 5:30 p.m., an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, followed by multiple aftershocks. There are reports of extensive damage, and communications remain extremely difficult. Additional aftershocks remain a possibility.
Guidance from Department of State

The US Department of State has issued the following guidance to US residents in Haiti:

• Avoid damaged buildings
• Find safe shelter; where you have been living may not be safe
• Obey instructions from local authorities
• Do not use exposed flames
• Avoid downed power lines
• Drink only bottled, boiled or chemically treated water
• If possible, contact friends and relatives outside of Haiti

The US Embassy has set up a task force at the Embassy for Americans who need urgent assistance:
Email: mailto:ACSPaP@state.gov
Phone: 509-2229-8942, 509-2229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672
For more information, see the Warden Message posted by U.S Embassy in Port Au Prince:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4630.html
Health Guidance

If you are injured, clean wounds with soap and clean water to reduce the risk of infection. If you are bleeding, attempt to stop the bleeding immediately. If significant bleeding continues, the wound is difficult to fully clean, or you have not had a tetanus shot in more than 5 years, seek medical assistance. Reports indicate that medical care is limited. Therefore, you should contact the U.S. Embassy to help locate medical care. (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/illness-injury-abroad.aspx)
Monitor Voice of America (VOA) news broadcasts for information or announcements.
Follow general health guidance for Haiti.
(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/haiti.aspx)
Follow careful food and water precautions.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water. You can also drink carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.
• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Make sure food is fully cooked.
• Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to have enough diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild illness yourself.
Protect yourself against insect bites.

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors.
• Remain indoors in a screened area or use insect repellent frequently on uncovered skin during the peak biting period for malaria (dusk and dawn) and dengue (any time of day).
• Sleeping in beds covered by nets treated with permethrin, if not sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room.
• Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.

For detailed information about insect repellent use, see Insect and Arthropod Protection.
Avoid driving until roads have been reopened. If you must drive, avoid driving at night.
If you must venture out, look before you step and avoid debris, bottles, and nails. Wear proper footwear.
Avoid all animals. Seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten by an animal. Wash any wounds with soap and water.
Do not use matches, lighters, or appliances, and do not operate light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
Be aware of security issues.
If you are planning to remain in Haiti you should, at the earliest convenient time, ensure that you are up-to-date with all regular and recommended vaccinations. This is particularly important for children. Please check the Department of State?s and CDC websites frequently for updated information.
Continue to take all prescribed medications.
Be aware that persons involved in natural disasters may experience a wide range of emotional responses. (http://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/)
For more information about disasters see:

• CDC?s Emergency Preparedness and Response website
• Natural Disasters and Environmental Hazards
• Guidance for Relief Workers and Others Traveling to Haiti for Earthquake Response
• United Nations Relief Web