Public Affairs Section

Warden Message

June 18, 2009  This message informs U.S. citizens with updates regarding human cases of New Influenza A (H1N1), sometimes referred to as swine flu or Mexican flu. 

The number of New Influenza A (H1N1) cases in the Netherlands is rising and now includes so-called secondary contamination through contact with recent travelers.  Therefore, it is of great importance that people who return from a country with a high number of New Influenza A (H1N1) cases, especially the United States and Mexico, be alert for flu-like symptoms. In case they develop flu-like symptoms and fever (higher than 38 degrees) during or after their journey, they are advised to contact their General Physician (Huisarts).

The U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam reminds U.S. citizens that most cases of influenza are not 2009-H1N1 Influenza.  Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Consulate General cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found elsewhere on this website.

The Netherlands has stocked up antiviral medications according to carefully prepared pandemic scenarios.  In case the need arises for antiviral medications, to access these antivirals without delay in The Netherlands, you MUST have registered with a “huisarts” (family/general practitioner physician) for everyone in your family.  Click Here for more information about health and medical services in The Netherlands. 

For further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html,

the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu,

the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at:

http://www.pandemicflu.gov,

and the World Health Organization website at:

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. 

For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at:

http://www.travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
 
Americans living or traveling in the Netherlands are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website,

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the Netherlands.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Consulate General in the Netherlands is located at Museumplein 19, Amsterdam, tel. (31) (20) 575-5309.  The after-hours emergency telephone number is (31) (70) 310-2209.