Health & Safety Updates
Travel Alert: South Africa
5/21/2008
The Department of State has issued a travel alert for South Africa, due to recent violence targeting foreigners in the Johannesburg region. The violence thus far has been restricted to attacks on immigrants from other African nations, not Westerners, so no Maryland student has been affected by the violence to date. However, all students studying abroad in South Africa are urged to exercise caution and follow any instructions issued by their study abroad program provider or by the Department of State.
Students who have not already done so should register immediately with the State Department in order to receive all relevant updates.
Earthquake: Chengdu, China
5/12/2008
On Monday, May 12, southwestern China experienced a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The quake's epicenter was located about 55 miles northwest of Chengdu, capitol of the Sichuan Province. As far as we know, no Maryland students were directly affected by the earthquake.
Students currently studying abroad in China are strongly encouraged to contact their program provider and the UM Study Abroad Office as soon as possible to assure us of your safety.
Dengue Fever Outbreak: Brazil
3/21/2008
It has come to our attention that a Dengue Fever outbreak in Brazil has claimed the lives of many Brazilians in Rio de Janeiro state. At this time, the University of Maryland plans to continue with its summer programs in Brazil, but concerned students are advised to discuss the situation with their medical health profession before leaving for Brazil.
Travel Warning: Israel, The West Bank, and Gaza
3/7/2008
None of the University of Maryland students currently studying in Israel were injured in the March 6 shooting incident at a Jerusalem seminary. Students currently abroad who are concerned about this incident are strongly encouraged to contact their on-site program staff for recommendations.
Israel has been on the State Department Travel Warning list since July 2007. Given the particular conditions inherent in the administration of the UM Summer program to Egypt & Israel, the program will run in Summer 2008. However, all students are required to complete a specific Waiver and Travel Warning as part of their application to the program. Students are asked to take responsibility for their individual health and safety, decisions, and actions while a participant on the program.
Travel Warning: Cameroon
3/5/2008
The State Department added Cameroon to the Travel Warning list on February 28, 2008, due to recent violent political unrest. As a result, the UM Summer 2008 program in Cameroon has been canceled. The program is slated to run again in Summer 2009.Health Alert: Barcelona, Spain
3/5/2008
It has come to our attention that there has been at least one confirmed case of bacterial meningitis in an American study abroad student currently in Barcelona. As far as we know, no Maryland students have been directly affected at this time.
Students currently abroad who are concerned that they may have been in direct contact with someone affected by bacterial meningitis are strongly encouraged to contact their on-site program staff for recommendations.
Concerned individuals are encouraged to consult the University of Maryland Health Center handout on Meningococcal Disease.