Warden Notice: 02/2009 - Swine Flu

You will be aware of the current outbreak of Swine Flu and fears that this might trigger a global human flu pandemic. As of today, no cases of Swine Flu have been reported in Kuwait. But I thought that the amount of media coverage devoted to this issue may be causing some of you and other members of the British community some concern. In these circumstances I thought it best to tell you what we know now.

What we have done?

The Embassy has been in contact with the Kuwait Ministry of Health. They have confirmed today that sufficient supplies of anti-viral drugs, eg Tamiflu, are available in Kuwait for all residents should they be needed. The Ministry also assured us that they are monitoring the current situation closely.

What can we do?

Continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed. If the situation were to change significantly, the Embassy has in place a Flu Contingency Plan to ensure basic Consular services are maintained during any crisis period.

What we cannot do?

The Embassy will not be able to offer diagnosis or medical treatment. This, rightly, should be the duty of your usual healthcare provider. It would be sensible for you to ensure that your healthcare provider has the anti-viral drugs currently in stock and that you have access to appropriate medical facilities should a pandemic occur.

What you can do?

British nationals working in Kuwait should speak to their employers about the contingency plans they have in place for a flu pandemic. Such plans may include access to antiviral treatment for employees and/or repatriation to the UK. Please note that given the number of British nationals living overseas, the British Government would not be able to organise repatriation if it was recommended for you to leave Kuwait. It is recommended that your travel documents are all up to date and readily available in the event of a pandemic occurring.

You can also help us by passing these messages to other members of the British community. In doing so you might also encourage them to register on our Locate registration system which allows us to update registered citizens rapidly eg by email of significant developments.  

Further information on a Flu Pandemic can be found at the following UK Department of Health website.

We will keep you informed if there is any significant change in the local circumstances or the advice we are able to give you.

Warden Notice: 01/2009 - Mangaf Area

We have been informed of an attack by a group of youths who harassed and robbed a European national outside the Sultan Centre in Mangaf. Fortunately, he was not harmed. The Sultan Centre management was notified immediately and the officer pointed out that the case was not an isolated one. There had been several incidents recently.

The Embassy is aware that this is not the first incident in that area (A US national had also been assaulted in Mangaf in February). We have previously raised our concerns with officials at the Ministry of Interior. We were informed that the Police have instituted patrols in these areas and that it would not be possible to completely end the risk of incidents like these.

If you live in, or are visiting, the Mangaf area, please be aware of the incidents reported above, and take particular care when visiting this area.

Any such incidents should be reported to the police immediately. If 777 is not answered, the following direct lines should be called:

Mangaf/Abu Halifa Police Station: 2371 4753
Mahboula/Fintas Police Station: 2390 3744
Fahaheel Police Station: 2391 0014
Egaila/Regga Police Station: 2394 0700