AMERICAS

United States

Since early March, cases of Escherichia coli O103 have been reported from 10 states, with the majority reported in Kentucky. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the outbreak, with ground beef suspected. E. coli spreads through contaminated food, as well as person to person. It can cause gastroenteritis with symptoms of abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting typically occurring about three days after exposure. Most people recover in about ten days without treatment. Some people, especially young children and the elderly, can develop serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Travelers should prevent infection by paying attention to hygiene and carefully selecting food.

Haiti

Non-essential travel should be deferred due to the persistent risk of violence linked to a protracted political crisis, as well as an associated increase in gang-related criminality, including banditry and extortion. Fuel shortages and fighting between rival gangs in Port-au-Prince have exacerbated tensions. Travelers remaining in the country should minimize movement near protests and areas of gang clashes, and reconfirm routes are clear immediately prior to all essential movements.

Mexico

On April 22, an attempted armed robbery at a hotel in Tlapa underlines the significant risks posed by crime. Police arrested the suspect and rescued 14 guests who had been taken hostage. They said that the suspect was acting alone. The incident highlights the need to avoid non-essential travel to Guerrero.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

Today, through Sunday, April 28, all travel to northern Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, and to Mtwara and Lindi districts in Tanzania, should be deferred during the passage of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth. The storm is expected to make landfall in Palma district, Mozambique tomorrow. Overland transportation and communications disruption should be expected during the cyclone, which is forecast to be a Category Two storm when it makes landfall, with maximum wind speeds of 103 mph. Severe thunderstorms and strong winds will begin affecting the region today.

Chad

An increase in the number of measles cases has been reported. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. Measles can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure that they are fully immunized against measles.

Comoros

Travelers in Comoros should stand fast during passage of Tropical Cyclone Kenneth. Wind speeds of over 75 mph are possible. The storm is expected to make landfall in Comoros sometime after 1:00 PM local time today, and local authorities are advising against all travel after 12:00 PM local time. Disruption to travel and essential services should be expected during and after the storm’s passage

Saudi Arabia

Today, travelers in Asir and Mecca provinces should exercise caution and plan journeys accounting for possible disruption caused by adverse weather. The General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection has warned that heavy rain, high winds, visibility-reducing dust, and flooding are possible in these locations until 9:00 PM local time. Delays were reported at Abha International Airport (AHB) due to poor visibility.

Tunisia

Tomorrow, rail travelers should plan itineraries accounting for disruption during a strike by workers affiliated to the UGTT trade union. The industrial action is linked to disputes with national rail operator SNCFT over working conditions. Trains in Tunisia are generally safe, though first-class coaches are recommended for business travelers.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Australia

Tomorrow, travelers in Canberra, as well as all state and territory capitals, should expect road closures and heightened security during parades and military displays marking Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day. Additional police deployments should be expected around such events and in cities’ central business districts. Travelers should maintain flexible itineraries, allow additional time for journeys, remain alert to their surroundings, and leave an area at the first sign of suspicious activity.

China

Today through Saturday, April 27, travelers in Beijing should anticipate heightened security and associated disruption around the second Belt and Road Forum at the China National Convention Center. President Xi Jinping and leaders from 36 other nations will attend the event, along with more than 150 foreign delegations. The forum is linked to the government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an infrastructure development and investment strategy.

India

There have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage following a magnitude 6.1 earthquake, which occurred at 1:45 AM local time today. According to the US Geological Survey, the tremblor struck 23 miles northwest of Aalotown in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5.8 miles and was reportedly felt in Tibet Autonomous Region. Travelers in affected areas should continue to follow official directives.

New Zealand

Today, passengers transiting Wellington International Airport (WLG) should reconfirm flight schedules due to ongoing weather-related disruption. Delays and cancellations have been reported at the facility due to poor visibility caused by thick fog. Tomorrow, travelers in major cities, including Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, should expect road closures around Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day events. Although authorities have said that there is no specific threat to this year’s events, a heightened security posture should be expected nationwide following the March 15 Christchurch terrorist attack. Travelers should follow all official directives and allow additional time for journeys.

Pakistan

According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, partial airspace restrictions affecting over-flying flights will remain in effect until at least 3:00 PM local time on May 15. Several airlines have rerouted affected flights. Airspace restrictions have been extended on a near-daily basis, and further extensions are possible. Operations have resumed at all airports in Pakistan since the airspace closure on February 27 amid increased tensions with India. Travelers should continue to expect disruption and reconfirm schedules until flight operations over Pakistan fully normalize.

Philippines

Flights at Clark International Airport (CRK) will resume at 4:00 PM local time today after a 48-hour suspension, following a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck near Floridablanca municipality on April 22. The tremblor was felt as far as Metro Manila, and at least 52 aftershocks have been recorded since. Most reports of damage were confined to Pampanga, where at least 11 people died. Travelers should reconfirm logistics prior to setting out.

Today, travelers in Cebu City should expect disruption and heightened security around celebrations linked to National Youth Day. Several thousand pilgrims are expected to participate in the opening ceremony at Cebu City Sports Center, followed by a foot procession ending at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu. Roads in the area will be closed from 5:00 PM local time through 8:00 PM local time. Authorities have announced heightened security measures during the event and have placed the entire city on high alert in the wake of the April 21 attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, during which two Catholic churches were also targeted.

Solomon Islands

Today and tomorrow, non-essential travel to Honiara should be deferred following unrest in parts of the city after Manasseh Sogavare’s re-election by Parliament as Prime Minister. A crowd gathered outside Parliament to protest, and violence also occurred in the Chinatown area and near the Pacific Casino Hotel in Kukum district. Additional security forces have been deployed; who have reportedly used tear gas to disperse protesters. Following the unrest, shops and government offices have closed, and public transportation has been disrupted. Flights at Honiara International Airport (HIR) have been unaffected.

Sri Lanka

Travelers in Sri Lanka should continue to abide by all official directives following the reimposition of a nationwide curfew from 9:00 PM local time today through 4:00 AM local time tomorrow. Security remains extremely tight across the country, following the wave of bombings on April 21 and yesterday’s reports that suspicious vehicles had entered Colombo.

Uzbekistan

Today, travelers in Tashkent should plan journeys accounting for potential disruption caused by recent heavy rainfall and flooding. Significant congestion was reported in parts of the city due to flooded roads. No disruption has been reported at Tashkent International Airport (TAS).

EUROPE

Regional

Travelers in Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK should anticipate and avoid further protests by the Extinction Rebellion (XR) environmentalist activist group. Today, a related demonstration will take place at 10:00 AM local time at Parliament Square in London. The group has also called for supporters to block roads in and around London tomorrow. In addition, a rally is scheduled at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 27 in Budapest. XR is calling on governments to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2025.

Netherlands

Today, passengers transiting Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) should reconfirm flights due adverse weather in the area.

Russia

Yesterday, authorities said that nine suspected members of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group had been arrested during counter-terrorism operations. The operations took place in Grozny, Makhachkala, and Primorsky Krai. Security forces seized firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The suspects arrested in the two North Caucasus republics were planning attacks against police in Kaspiysk and Grozny.

Today through Friday, April 26, travelers in Vladivostok and on Russky Island should anticipate heightened security and associated disruption during a visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. A meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Kim will be held tomorrow at the Far Eastern University campus on Russky Island. Travelers in urban centers should anticipate significant road travel disruption ahead of and during annual Victory Day military parades on May 9. A heightened security force presence and stringent associated measures can be expected, especially around parade routes and main celebration areas. Rehearsals are ongoing in St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg and will begin in Moscow today. Road closures and diversions have been announced. Aviation authorities have warned of flight restrictions during rehearsals, though these will be brief and will only impact Moscow airports.

Ukraine

Travelers in Ukraine should continue to avoid any gatherings linked to the recent Presidential Election as a precaution. Volodymyr Zelensky defeated incumbent Petro Poroshenko in the second round, gaining over 73% of the vote. Travelers should exercise caution ahead of and during Zelensky’s inauguration, tentatively scheduled for May 28, which may be accompanied by instances of low-level violence and vandalism.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS