CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
Panama,
February 29, 2000-- Americans traveling to Panama should be aware
that there has been a local outbreak of the hantavirus in the provinces
of Herrera and Los Santos, approximately 3 hours driving time southwest
of Panama City. The hantavirus is not transmitted between human beings
but is contracted from rodent residue. The Panamanian Ministry of Health
has released a statement declaring a public health emergency in the affected
provinces, and canceling carnival celebrations in those provinces.
As a precaution, the U.S. Government has temporarily withdrawn American-affiliated
personnel from the affected provinces, and the U.S. Embassy in Panama
recommends that Americans defer non-essential travel to Herrera and Los
Santos. For further information, please contact the Center
for Disease Control.
Ecuador,
March 3, 2000-- The U.S. Embassy in Quito reports that a newly announced
Marxist group, "The People's Liberation Army," has claimed responsibility
for a series of package bombs and propaganda leaflets delivered through
the Ecuadorian mail in late February. The propaganda leaflets include
a list of demands on the Government of Ecuador and make threats against
U.S.-affiliated organizations and U.S. citizens in general.
None of the February package bombs were mailed to U.S. citizens or organizations, but in light of the threats made in the propaganda leaflets, U.S. citizens in Ecuador are advised to exercise caution in all aspects of their daily routines. U.S. citizens should treat any mail or packages from unfamiliar sources with caution and should seek assistance from local police as appropriate.
El
Salvador, March 8, 2000-- Various labor groups have been staging demonstrations
in San Salvador since March 6. Local elections are scheduled to take place
on Sunday, March 12, and at least one group has threatened to disrupt
the electoral process. Demonstrations are expected to continue throughout
the weekend, and possibly beyond. While most of these demonstrations have
been peaceful, some incidents of violence have occurred, including rock-throwing
by protesters and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by police forces.
U.S. citizens in El Salvador are advised to take common-sense precautions
and to avoid large gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated
to demonstrate or protest. In addition, U.S. citizens are reminded that
the Salvadoran constitution forbids foreigners from participating in domestic
partisan political activities, including public demonstrations. To do
so is a violation of visa status, punishable by detention, fines and/or
deportation.
Maps
courtesy of 4maps.com.
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