Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh (February 4, 2020)
Location: Bangladesh
Event: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring an ongoing outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by the novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first identified in Wuhan, China. As of February 4, there are no identified cases of 2019-nCoV in Bangladesh.
CDC has issued a travel warning recommending travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China. Bangladesh authorities have instituted health screening procedures at all international airports and land-border crossings. Hospitals and clinics remain open.
Actions to Take:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Seek medical care right away if you traveled to Wuhan and feel sick or were exposed to someone who was in Wuhan in the last six weeks who has fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
• Stay home if you are sick and take appropriate steps to recover.
• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information regarding enhanced screening procedures.
• Check with the airlines regarding any flight cancellations and/or restrictions on flying.
Additional Resources:
If you need more information, please see the following websites:
• U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh – (88) 02 5566 2000
• DhakaACS@state.gov
• bd.usembassy.gov
• State Department, Consular Affairs – (888) 407-4747 or (202) 501-4444
• Bangladesh Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.html
• https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00426.asp
• https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus
