With the hurricane season upon us, and as a precaution against all types of unexpected events including demonstrations, avian flu and fuel shortages, the Embassy again takes this opportunity to remind American citizens visiting or residing in Honduras to monitor local, national and international news media (print, radio, and television) for weather and news updates. We recommend that you take appropriate measures to ensure your personal safety and well-being, such as having at least two weeks worth of food and water in your home should conditions in the country require US citizens to be house-bound.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) at: www.nhc.noaa.gov provides accurate, frequently updated weather forecasts, the trajectory of current storm systems, and other extremely valuable information on changing weather patterns that might affect the area you live in or plan to visit in Honduras.

The State Department also has very helpful guides for disaster preparedness available to you on-line at: www.travel.state.gov. We urge Americans to review the disaster preparedness materials available at this site in order to be better informed and better prepared for potential emergencies. As always, American citizens can obtain additional information on this issue and other general information of interest to Americans at the Embassy’s web page: http://honduras.usembassy.gov

Dengue Fever

Dengue is a common, seasonal, tropical disease which is spread by the Aedes Egypti mosquito (which feeds in the daytime). Dengue is making a strong comeback in Honduras as well as the rest of Central America. There has been a large increase in reported dengue cases throughout Honduras, and our community has also experienced several cases. Unlike other mosquitoes, the Aedes Egypti breeds in clean water. We strongly recommend that you take immediate steps to eliminate or substantially reduce the risk of dengue in your residences.

To reduce the risk of contracting dengue, wear clothing that exposes as little skin as possible and apply a repellent containing the insecticide DEET (concentration 30 to 35%) or Picaridin (concentration 20% or greater for tropical travelers). Because of the increased risk of dengue fever and the ongoing risk of malaria in Honduras, practicing preventive measures is always a wise decision. For further information on dengue fever, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/.

Demonstrations

Due to the difficulty in traveling and potential for violence that ongoing demonstrations have caused in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and possibly other areas, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to monitor news media closely and to assess the security situation in their own areas. The Embassy also urges U.S. citizens to avoid non-essential travel both within and between affected areas.

Travelers should contact their airline to confirm their flights before leaving for the airport. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Registration Reminder

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone: (504) 238 5114; after hours telephone: (504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax: (504) 237 1792; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov Web page: http://honduras.usembassy.gov