In
the Spotlight
 Travel
to Turkey Following the Earthquake
Date
Last Rev'd: August 25, 1999
The
U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens defer travel
to areas surrounding the epicenter of the earthquake which struck
western Turkey on August 17, 1999. These areas include, but are
not limited to, Izmit (not to be confused with Izmir), Kocaeli,
Golchuk and Yalova. Hospitals and emergency service providers in
the region may be unable to provide routine services. Despite a
massive international relief effort, it is impossible to predict
when the infrastructure for the affected areas will be back to normal.
For the full text of the State Department public announcement please
see http://travel.state.gov/
For
those who must travel to affected areas (e.g.,international relief
workers)
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises strict
adherence to all its recommendations for that region (such as receiving
hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus/diphtheria vaccines, etc.). For
the complete list of recommendations, including food and water precautions,
refer to http://www.cdc.gov/travel/mideast.htm.
In the aftermath of this natural disaster, prevention measures assume
even greater importance, and CDC recognizes that certain recommendations
may be difficult to follow when normal services are disrupted. For
example, roads may be impassable, impeding delivery of food and
other essential supplies. Refrigeration and fuel supplies may not
be available, causing difficulties with safe food preparation.
To
ensure safe drinking water, water should be boiled or disinfected,
because bottled water may not be available. Boiling is the most
reliable method to make water safe to drink. Water should be brought
to a vigorous boil for one full minute, then allowed to cool; do
not add ice. Taste may be improved by adding a pinch of salt or
pouring water back and forth from one container into another. Chemical
disinfection may be achieved by using either iodine or chlorine;
however, iodine provides greater disinfection in a wider set of
circumstances. To disinfect with iodine, use either tincture of
iodine or tetraglycine hydroperiodide tablets (e.g., Globaline*,
Potable-Aqua*, and others). Portable filters may be another means
to make water safe for drinking. For additional water and food precautions,
see http://www.cdc.gov/travel/foodwatr.htm.
Cruise
line passengers traveling to the region
American
tourists traveling on cruise ships represent a substantial portion
of American visitors to this region. However, they are unlikely
to travel to heavily impacted areas. Cruise ships are self-contained
facilities providing their own food, water, and shelter and therefore
are not as affected by the disaster as are land-based operations.
For example, cruise lines typically replenish their supplies in
areas where supplies are readily available and thought safe, to
minimize health risks to their passengers. Questions surrounding
land portions of cruise ship itineraries are more difficult to assess
in terms of sanitation and accommodation. Land-based tour operators
normally adjust their itineraries around affected areas to prevent
interference with relief operations and to minimize any risks to
their clients. However, travelers may wish to contact their travel
agents and airlines regarding questions such as airport delays in
Istanbul and the status of land accommodations and facilities. Therefore,
CDC's recommendations apply to any traveler who is planning on spending
any period of time in this region. These recommendations and any
future updates may be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/mideast.htm.
The
use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply
endorsement by the U.S. Public Health Service or the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
Reference:
National Center for Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
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