Libya-specific warden messages

Bubonic Plague Information, June 21 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to an outbreak of bubonic plague reported by authorities in northeastern Libya near the city of Tobruk and the border with Egypt. Media sources report approximately 16 to 18 cases and two deaths. These cases are the first in more than 20 years in Libya. The World Health Organization (WHO) is sending a team to investigate. The Libyan government has initiated efforts to contain the disease by vaccinating residents of the affected region against the disease as well as isolating the Tarsha region and considering it a quarantine zone. Travelers are advised to plan travel to this region carefully. Information on disease outbreaks in Libya can be found on the websites of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/libya.aspx#notices and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/countries/lby/en/.