Dear British Residents,

SWINE FLU/INFLUENZA A/H1N1

I though it would be helpful if I updated you on the current situation.

As I am sure you will all be aware, novel influenza A (H1N1) is caused by a new flu virus that was first detected in April 2009.   The number of cases has recently risen in many countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic alert level remains at phase 6.  The latest world-wide figures are 3917 deaths, in 191 countries. On 23 September, the death toll from H1N1 influenza in Japan rose to 19.

The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely, as do the Japanese authorities. Significant developments will be published on our website’s Swine Flu pages and on the FCO website .

The situation is unpredictable, but the key points at the moment are:

• Please keep up to date with medical advice, including on vaccinations, and ensure access to medical care and medication for you and your family; check your travel documents are in order and consider holding a stock of water and dry goods.
• Please note that the Embassy has no in-house medical facilities.  We cannot provide medical treatment (including anti-viral medication). It is therefore essential that you make appropriate arrangements for access to healthcare and medication for you and your family.
• In the event of a major deterioration in the situation in Japan, the Embassy will not be able to evacuate the British community; in any event, such action might not be feasible or desirable, given the risks inherent in large groups, even if only the level of infection in such a group is low.

Our Travel Advice for Japan has not changed in relation to swine flu.  But you may find it helpful to monitor FCO Travel Advice regularly.

This letter is being sent via LOCATE to all British nationals in Japan registered with us.  If you are in contact with other British nationals, could you alert them to our website, where I am also posting the letter, together with any other relevant information we can provide?  And I urge all those who have not yet done so to register with us online.

Finally, if you need to know more about Swine Flu, please visit the WHO website.

Yours ever

David Warren
British Ambassador

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