air travel 23 May

WHO | Summary of SARS and air travel All WHO This site only Home About WHO Countries Health topics Publications Research tools WHO sites EPR Home Alert & Response Operations Diseases Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network International Health Regulations Laboratory & Epidemiology Strengthening Preparedness for Deliberate Epidemics Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR) Country activities | Outbreak news | Resources | Media centre WHO WHO sites Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) printable version Summary of SARS and air travel 23 May 2003 This document addresses the main concerns of the public at large with regard to the risk of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) transmission to passengers and/or crew embarking on an international voyage particularly from an area of recent local transmission . A more detailed account of the specific measures the World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending is available in the Weekly Epidemiological Record dated 4 April 2003. WHO has been working closely with international air transport organizations, including ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and IATA (International Air Transport Association), to provide accurate information in a timely manner to all persons involved in international air travel in order to further reduce the risk of spreading the disease by this means. Risk of SARS transmission in flight The risk of transmission in aircraft is very low. To date, symptomatic probable SARS cases on four flights have been associated with possible transmission onboard. Two of these flights preceded WHO's 15 March 2003 emergency travel advisory, and since 23 March 2003 and the introduction of WHO-recommended screening measures by public health authorities no further cases of SARS in flight have been documented. A key factor in reducing the risk is for passengers and crew to be aware of the main symptoms of SARS which include high fever (38 °C, 100.4 °F), cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Measure for persons with symptoms compatible with SARS prior to departure WHO has recommended that passengers or crew who develop symptoms compatible with SARS postpone their travel until fully recovered. WHO further recommends that public health authorities ensure that areas with recent local transmission introduce exit screening measures, which may include temperature checks for all passengers and crew. Preventing symptomatic passengers from travelling minimizes what risk there is. Finally, contacts of probable SARS cases should not undertake travel (national or international) for a 10-day period following exposure. In-flight precautions and measures Personal hygiene All passengers and crews should observe good personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently, particularly before eating. If passengers or crew cough or sneeze while onboard, they should cover their mouth and nose, and wash their hands afterwards. Face masks Current evidence indicates that a person infected with SARS is not infectious to others unless s/he has symptoms. Therefore, WHO does not recommend the use of masks by asymptomatic passengers or crew. However, WHO recommends that passengers or crew presenting with symptoms compatible with SARS during a flight from an area with recent local transmission: 1) wear a protective face mask * ; 2) be isolated, as far as possible, from other passengers; and 3) be given access to a toilet cordoned off for their exclusive use. WHO also recommends that the designated crew member(s) caring for a person with symptoms compatible with SARS wear a protective face mask*, gloves and eye protection (e.g. tight-fitting goggles or face shield). Measures on arrival of a flight with a suspected case of SARS The Captain of an aircraft with a person presenting symptoms compatible with SARS onboard should radio the airport of destination so that appropriate arrangements may be made for reception and management by public health authorities. Passenger disembarkation may be delayed upon arrival while the medical officer at the airport of destination examines the patient. Following an assessment by public health authorities, passengers and crew may be required to provide their contact details for the next 14 days. All passengers and crew who are otherwise healthy should be allowed to continue their onward journey. If the ill passenger or crew member is confirmed as a probable case of SARS, public health authorities should notify contacts using the contact details provided. Risk of infection from handling baggage or goods belonging to a SARS case There is no evidence to date to suggest that a person can be infected with SARS from handling baggage or goods, as the major route of transmission is close face-to-face contact with a SARS probable case. Aircraft ventilation The configurations of the air circulation system for commercial aircraft are designed to the specifications of international aviation regulations, as well as guidelines of aircraft manufacturers: Circulation: In flight, fresh air is introduced into the cabin continuously. The entire cabin air volume is exchanged every three minutes. Airflow: The airflow movement is designed to minimize the potential for spreading of bacteria and viruses through the cabin. Filter: Most major airlines install HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters which are highly efficient in removing dust and airborne contaminants such as droplets, bacteria and large microbes. This means that the spread of all microbes is minimized inside the cabin. Disinfection of aircraft Following a flight with a suspected SARS case, it is recommended that the aircraft be thoroughly cleaned following procedures established by local public health authorities which must involve the strict cleansing and disinfecting of the zone of risk in the cabin area (i.e. seats, headrests, tabletops, handsets, and other materials coming in contact with the suspected case) where the case was seated, as well as all shared facilities. The virus that causes SARS loses infectivity after exposure to commonly used disinfectants. * N/R/P 95/99/100 or FFP 2/3 or an equivalent national manufacturing standard (NIOSH (N,R,P 95,99,100) or European CE EN149:2001(FFP 2,3) and EN143:2000 (P2) or comparable national/regional standards applicable to the country of manufacture. About WHO | -- Employment | Other UN Sites | Search | Suggestions | RSS | Privacy © World Health Organization 2005. 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Japan Travel

U.S. Commercial Service Japan: Travel and Tourism Sitemap BUYUSA.GOV -- U.S. Commercial Service Japan Local time: 07:42 AM Travel and Tourism Highlight Reports Japanese Outbound Travel Market Japan is the largest overseas travel market for the United States. In 2000, the number of Japanese outbound travelers totaled 17.8 million, an increase of 8.9 percent over the previous year. The U.S. is the most popular overseas destination for Japanese travelers, receiving more than 5 million Japanese travelers each year. The total market for Japan's international travel to the U.S. exceeded US$13 billion in 2000. Japanese Overseas School Travel Market In Japan, almost all schools including primary, junior, and senior high schools, both public and private, organize school trips for their students. Although most schools organize domestic excursions, the number of high schools that have been organizing overseas school trips is increasing. Useful Links International Trade Administration Tourism Industries Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) Japan Visit USA Committee Japan Association of Travel Agents CONTACTS Unit Chief: Joel Fischl Commercial Specialist: Yoko Hatano Home Focus on JAPAN, the World's Second-Largest Economy Exporting to East Asia & China Just Got Easier! How We Help U.S. Companies How We Help Japanese Companies Doing Business in Japan Country Commercial Guide Japanese Customs, Etiquette, and Culture Industry Highlights Public Comment Update Business Service Providers Useful Links FAQs Contact Us Our Worldwide Sites Other Asian Markets Export.gov Trade Portal 日本企業の皆様へ Search! Printable version Last updated 2004-01-21 © 2001-2005 All rights reserved Privacy Policy Disclaimer

Italy Travel

Italy Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Italy Italy La Dolce Vita has never been sweeter. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money General RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Italy Bologna Cinque Terre Florence Milan Naples Rome Sorrento Turin Venice View Map Click here Feature Attraction Cenacolo Vinciano Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Last Supper was painted in an experimental mix of tempera and oil. The paint has been steadily peeling from the walls ... more Europe's kinky over-the-knee boot has it all: popes, painters, polenta, paramours, poets, political puerility and potentates. Its dreamy light and sumptuous landscapes seem made for romance, and its three millennia of history, culture and cuisine seduces just about everyone. You can visit Roman ruins, gawk at Renaissance art, stay in tiny medieval hill towns, go skiing in the Alps, explore the canals of Venice and gaze at beautiful churches. Naturally you can also indulge in the pleasures of la dolce vita : good food, good wine and improving your wardrobe. When To Go Italy is at its best in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons, the scenery is beautiful, the temperatures are pleasant and there are relatively few crowds. Try to avoid August, as this is the time that most Italians take their vacations, and many shops and businesses are closed as a result. Factoid Relax! Eat! In a world of fast food you may be pleased to hear that Italy is the international headquarters of the Slow Food Movement, an organisation dedicated to the unhurried eating and drinking of high quality, reasonably priced foods and drinks made using fresh (often organic), locally sourced ingredients. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Vacation Packages Real Estate

Costa Rica Vacation Packages Main Navigation: HOME About Our Agency Costa Rica Hotels Vacation Rentals Vacation Packages Real Estate Reserve Your Trip! Client Testimonials Costa Rica Fishing Weddings Honeymoons Costa Rica Tours Flights to Costa Rica . Adventure Tours: Sport Fishing Spa Services Whitewater Rafting Rainforest Canopy Hiking . Destinations: Tamarindo Manuel Antonio Arenal Volcano Osa Peninsula Monteverde Costa Rica !-- Looking for a first class Costa Rica vacation ? Our travel experts are here IN Costa Rica to help plan your adventure! We tailor every vacation package to fit you like a fine suit! We arrange your perfect Costa Rica travel experience. Hotels, vacation rentals and tours...we offer ONLY the best of Costa Rica. See our client testimonials and find out more about us in our company overview. Our highly trained team of experts is ready to prepare your vacation of a lifetime. Why Use Our Costa Rica Travel Agency? 1. No Headache: from planning a vacation abroad. We live in Costa Rica. Utilize our local knowledge! 2. Comfort: we meet you at the airport and are on call during your stay to deliver first class service . 3. Savings: we save you time and money by planning you the ideal vacation for your needs. Check out these sample packages: Panama and Costa Rica Combo Luxury All-inclusive Resort Stay Costa Rica Classic In the "Lapa" of Luxury Enter your email address to receive our newsletter Direct in Costa Rica: 011 (506) 296-7715 Send us an Email Most Popular Trips: Last Minute Holiday! Panama CR Combo Arenal Volcano Tamarindo Costa Rica Manuel Antonio Popular Offers: Real Estate Tours Panama Vacations . Costa Rica Information: Weather Costa Rica Maps Culture !-- Costa Rica Pictures Freq. Asked Questions We're Hiring! . Special Offers: Hotel Mariposa Discount Finca Que Ama Four Seasons Costa Rica we accept proud member of: Costa Rican Chamber of Tourism This site is a division of Viajes Lujosos, S.A. "Local Knowledge, Global Service" San Jose, Phone: (in Costa Rica ) + 506.296-7715 Fax: 296.7203 Toll Free: 1-800-606-1860 Send Us An Email

South America Travel

South America for Visitors  You are here: About > Travel > South America for Visitors Travel Go South America Essentials Plan Your First Trip to South America Photo Gallery Travel Features - Countries and Culture News and Current Events Reader Participation Requested Articles & Resources Most Popular Destinations Countries and Territories Plan Your Trip Getting There Culture Events, Fiestas, Holidays Languages Geography News & Current Events History Archaeology Sports and Recreation Wildlife / Conservation Guides and Gear Cuisine Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Guide and Travel Books History and Culture Books Cookbooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the South America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search South America for Visitors From Bonnie Hamre , Your Guide to South America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro - Festa de Iemanj In Rio de Janeiro, on December 31, throngs of people flock to the beaches to celebrate. Some of those people are there to celebrate the New Year, some are there to celebrate the Festa de Iemanj, the Goddess of the Sea and Mother of the Waters in the Umbanda religion of Brazil. Plan your trip with these resources about Rio . Photo of Copacabana beach and Rio de Janeiro by Night thanks to ClipArt.com. Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Photo of the Week Once part of the infamous penal colony, and now a resort area, le du Diable, Devil's Island is one of the three les du Salut off the coast of French Guiana. Do you have a photo that you'd like to see featured as our photo of the week? If you do, send it to me via the Submit a Photo Form . Photo thanks to ClipArt.com. Sunday December 25, 2005 | permalink La Fiesta Grande Annually on December 24-26 thousands gather to worship the patron saint of local gold and copper mines, La Virgen del Rosario (The Virgin of the Rosary), in Andacollo, a small town in central Chile. The celebrations commemorate the many miracles attributed to her and the Nio Dios de Sotaqu, Christ Child of Sotaqui. Feliz Navidad to all! Friday December 23, 2005 | permalink Antarctic Wildlife Photo Gallery Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the time for Antarctic cruising. One of the usual stops is at Deception Island , where passengers can go ashore for a dip in a narrow strip of shallow water heated by an active volcano and a look at penguins, seals and birds. Photo of a chinstrap penguin displayed with the kind permission of Peter and Jackie Main. Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Cuzco, Peru Cuzco, Capital of the Inca Empire, has both historical and cultural significance. As the hub of tourism for Machu Picchu, Ollytantambo, Sacsayhuaman, Pisac and the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River, Cusco offers archaeological sites, colonial charm and up to date facilities for the visitor. Photo of the night illuminations of the Coricancha , meaning the Golden Courtyard in Quecha, used for ceremonial purposes, thanks to ClipArt.com. Enjoy the expanded Machu Picchu Photo Gallery . Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink 2005 Earthquake Count For those travelers who like to keep informed about earthquake activity in South America, you'll now find the weekly count update in the Geography section under Earthquakes, Temblors and Natural Events . Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink Two Great Destinations for 2006 Frommers announced their The Top 10 Up and Coming Destinations For 2006 and two of their recommendations are in South America: " Belm, Brazil: Nestled on the banks of the world's longest river and largest rainforest, Belm, Brazil is tropical paradise with an eclectic combination of both modern sophistication and frontier. Belem's collection of excellent restaurants utilizes local ingredients such as tropical fruits and Amazon fish to create a cuisine that is unlike anywhere in Brazil. Belem provides new surprises for the eager explorer. It is also a great gateway to the Amazon." Explore Belm, Gateway to the Amazon . Isla de Margarita, Venezuela : "Known for its reputation as a island getaway, Margarita, Venezuela offers the same amenities as its Caribbean neighbors: all-inclusive resorts, excellent white sand beaches, watersports, natural parks, a golf course, but all at a fraction of the price. Vacationers are benefiting from the economy's steep decline, and often visitors can even find inexpensive scuba diving adventures. Check out Isla de Margarita, Pearl of the Caribbean and choose from one of these Resorts, Hotels and Inns . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Photo of the Week From Maldonado and Piripolis, past Punta del Este and Rocha to the Brazilian border, miles of sandy beaches sand dunes and great scenery attact beach goers to the Uruguayan Riviera. Do you have a photo that you'd like to see featured as our photo of the week? If you do, send it to me via the Submit a Photo Form . Photo thanks to ClipArt.com. Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Walk The Inca Trail Depending on your starting point, the Inca Trail is 27 to 35 miles long passing through high-mountain puno , cloud forest, and mountain passes with elevations of nearly 14,000 feet and an orchid-rich jungle before it brings you to to Machu Picchu, the fabled Lost City of the Incas. Photo of Intipunku , the Gateway of the Sun, the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail, thanks to ArtToday.com. Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink 2005 Reader's Choice - People Readers of South America for Visitor's pages about people, past or present, were most interested in these historical personages, media celebrities, missing persons, and larger than life gauchos. Note: This list is derived from the number of times a reader visited these pages. Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular All Stars 9 Empanada Iguazu Falls Pictures of Chile South America Photo Gallery What's Hot Cola de Mono - Monkey's Tail Cuzco Pisco Sour Chilean Style Falkland Islands Photos Virtual Tour Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Mexico / Central America for Visitors Spanish Language Adventure Travel Budget Travel        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Cola de Mono - Monkey's Tail Cuzco Pisco Sour Chilean Style Falkland Islands Photos Virtual Tour Headlines New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro - Festa de Iemanj In Rio de Janeiro, on December 31, throngs of... Photo of the Week Once part of the infamous penal colony, and now... La Fiesta Grande Annually on December 24-26 thousands gather to worship the... Antarctic Wildlife Photo Gallery Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the time for...