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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

UNITED STATES(ZIKA)- The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on 3 February that its Emergency Operations Center has moved to its highest level of activation, Level 1, in anticipation of local Zika transmission within the United States. As of 11 February, over 50 Zika cases have been identified in the US; however, the majority of these have been from travellers returning from Latin America. Experts believe this could result in a Zika transmission cycle in the southern states of the US. Level 1 has been activated on only three previous occasions; for the Ebola outbreak, H1N1 influenza, and after Hurricane Katrina. The Zika virus is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes are present in the southern states of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and southern Arizona. In Florida, a public health emergency has been extended to seven counties due to Zika cases, the majority of which are due to travellers returning from the Latin America. The majority of persons infected do not show symptoms. Of particular concern is the link between the virus and deformities in babies, which prompted the CDC to issue guidelines for pregnant travellers in January. Clients concerned about the spread of the disease or requiring further information should contact their medical practitioner. Further information is also available on the WHO (http://www.who.int/), CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/) and Pan American Health Organization (http://www.paho.org/) websites. Travellers to affected areas should take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Empty all standing water around residences, cover water tanks, avoid accumulating waste near residences, unblock drains, use screens and mosquito nets, cover exposed skin, use mosquito repellents and sleep under mosquito nets. Persons displaying symptoms, particularly pregnant women, should visit their medical practitioner.

CHINA(BEIJING(ZIKA)) - China confirmed its first imported case of Zika late on Tuesday, Xinhua reported, as fears mount over the fast-spreading virus that has been linked to severe birth defects mostly in Latin America. Few cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been reported in Asia, but the World Health Organisation has declared a global health emergency to combat Zika as cases spread elsewhere. Officials in China said a 34-year-old man was diagnosed with the virus after he returned from Venezuela on Jan 28 and reported a fever, headache and dizziness. The man, from Ganxian county in the southeast province of Jiangxi, is now recovering with a normal body temperature and fading rash, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission cited on Xinhua. He had travelled home via Hong Kong and Shenzhen and has been quarantined and treated in a Ganxian hospital since Feb 6. So far, 26 countries have confirmed cases of the virus, and dozens of Europeans and North Americans returning from Zika-affected areas have also tested positive for the virus. Brazil has been hardest hit by the outbreak with more than 20,000 cases, including over 2,000 pregnant women. Thailand and Indonesia have reported one case each, but health experts have warned some Asian nations are vulnerable to a Zika outbreak. Health authorities have said Zika could infect up to four million people in Latin America and spread worldwide.

ANGOLA(YELLOW FEVER) - Reports released on 11 February indicate that an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever is currently affecting Angola. At least 191 cases of the disease, including 37 deaths, have been reported since the outbreak was first identified in December. The majority of infections and deaths have been reported in the capital, Luanda, although other parts of the country have also been impacted. Angola is prone to outbreaks of infectious disease, such as yellow fever. Infection rates and the spread of such diseases are generally aggravated by poor prevention measures. Outside of Luanda, community-level initiatives are usually hampered by the rural nature of the region. Yellow fever is a viral disease mainly transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. Most infections are mild, but a severe infection can result in high fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, vomiting, loss of appetite and backache. After three to four days, most patients improve and their symptoms disappear; however, some infected persons may enter a 'toxic phase'. Fever reappears, and jaundice, abdominal pain and nausea can develop. There is no specific treatment for the disease. Persons currently in or intending to visit Angola, particularly Luanda, should ensure that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Furthermore, clients are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

EGYPT(BENI SUEF) - At least 60 people were wounded following a train derailment in Beni Suef, Egypt, early on 11 February. The train was travelling from Cairo to Aswan and derailed after crashing into a concrete block near the Nasser station in Beni Suef. Operations to clear the carriages from the affected line are ongoing. Disruptions are likely to remain until the affected section of the railway is once again operational. It should be noted that Egypt's rail network has experienced a number of commercial rail accidents in recent times. Clients planning to utilise rail services in the Beni Suef should consider alternative travel options and monitor local media for updates regarding the status of rail services.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO STATE) - Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) issued warnings for adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, across the south eastern Sao Paulo state, on 10 February. The affected regions include the Paraiba Valley, the Greater Sao Paulo metropolitan area, Litoral Sul Paulista and Itapetininga. The heavy rainfall is expected to persist until at least 14 February. Heavy rain often characterises the period between the months of November and March in the south eastern region of Brazil, which is particularly prone to flooding. Some flooding was reported in various areas of Greater Sao Paulo on 10 February; the possibility of further flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, cannot be discounted. The adverse weather conditions in the affected areas may result in travel delays and disruptions to electricity supply, due to possible infrastructural damage. Utility disruptions to water and telecommunications are also possible. Persons in Sao Paulo state are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the directives of the local authorities, should they be issued. Allowances should be made for potential disruptions to travel, as well as to utilities such as electricity and water. Persons in the affected areas should keep clear of fallen or damaged power lines and infrastructure.

VANUATU/FIJI - Tropical Storm Eleven is currently impacting parts of Vanuatu and Fiji on 11 February. In Vanuatu, the southern province of Tafea is being worst impacted. The province is largely made up of the islands of Tanna, Aneityum, Futuna, Erromango and Aniwa. In Fiji, heavy rain has been reported on the main island of Viti Levu, whilst flood warnings are in place in the Rakiraki area of Ra province, also on Viti Levu. There have been no reports of casualties as a result of the tropical storm thus far. The storm system is currently moving in a south easterly direction and is not currently forecast to make direct landfall over any part of the Vanuatu or Fiji. The storm is expected to continue to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall and coastal storm surges, over the coming hours in the affected areas. Associated flooding is possible. In addition, disruptions to basic amenities, such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime), cannot be discounted. Within Vanuatu in particular, the fact that the country is spread out over 80 islands means that any damage that does occur as a result of the storm is likely to take an extended period of time to repair. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and follow the advisories of the local authorities. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any possible travel delays.

COLOMBIA(ARAUCA & CUCUTA) - Authorities in Colombia announced on 8 February that the military would intensify its operations against the country's second most prominent rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN). The announcement was made in response to an ELN attack on an army brigade in the eastern Arauca department on 8 February; no casualties were reported in the attack. In addition, authorities in Cucuta have been placed on alert following a suspected ELN grenade attack on 10 February, which left at least eight police officers wounded. The ELN continues to explore the possibility of peace talks with the Colombian government following successful talks between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the primary leftist armed grouping in Colombia. However, attempts to formalise the negotiating process have not been successful since talks began in January 2014. The recent incidents, which include kidnappings and low-level attacks on security force personnel, are likely a tactic by the group to increase its negotiating leverage with the government. As such, in addition to the military operations, further ELN violence and retaliatory attacks are anticipated in the near-term. These are likely to be focused on rural and remote areas, particularly in Arauca, Santander, Norte de Santander, Cucuta, Cauca and Boyaca. Potential targets include security force personnel, government and civilian interests and infrastructure. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Colombia, specifically to areas outside of secure urban and tourist centres (Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellin and Santiago de Cali). Persons considering travel in rural and remote areas should do so following a full area risk assessment and preferably, with a trained security driver or local escort.

MALI(MOPTI) - At least three people were killed during a suspected militant attack on a customs port in Mopti, located in central Mali, on 11 February. According to local reports, the militants killed two civilians and a customs officer before burning a vehicle in the attack. While no claims of responsibility have been made for the attack, suspicion has fallen on Islamist extremist groups. Separatist and Islamist extremist groups, such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Ansar Dine, and Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MOJWA) have an operational presence in Mali's Mopti, Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu regions. Insecurity in Mali is likely to persist for at least the medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to the northern and eastern administrative regions of Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu due to various security concerns, particularly the threats of conflict and terrorism.

MOZAMBIQUE(MANICA & SOFALA PROVINCES) - The opposition Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) movement has threatened to place checkpoints on major roads in Mozambique's central provinces of Manica and Sofala in the coming days. RENAMO officials have indicated that the checkpoints would be erected on the EN1 and EN6 highways, particularly near Inchope where the two roads intersect each other. In response to the threat, the Mozambican police have stated that they will dismantle any unsanctioned checkpoints. The checkpoints are reportedly in response to a spate of kidnappings and assassinations of RENAMO officials, which RENAMO blames on the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) party. Tensions between RENAMO on one side, and FRELIMO and the government's security forces on the other side, have been heightened in recent months following a number of shooting incidents and kidnappings targeting RENAMO and FRELIMO officials; each side blames the other for the violence. Furthermore, RENAMO believes the government is failing to provide sufficient protection to RENAMO officials. Should RENAMO follow through on their threat to erect checkpoints, the risk of armed confrontations between RENAMO militants and security forces will escalate considerably. An increased police presence is anticipated in the vicinity of Inchope and on the EN1 and EN6 highway in the coming days. Due to the risk of conflict and the heightened threat of ambush attacks associated with travel along the EN1 highway in Sofala province, clients are advised to limit intercity road travel and to use commercial air travel instead. If road travel is unavoidable, clients should ensure that all movements are coordinated as part of a convoy and are restricted to daylight hours only. Concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

SAUDI ARABIA(QATIF GOVERNORATE) - Anti-government protests are anticipated in Saudi Arabia's eastern Qatif governorate on 11 February. The day follows 40 days after the execution of prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by the authorities on terrorism charges in early January. The 11 February date signifies the end of the 40-day period of mourning. The execution of al-Nimr, a supporter of Shiite political freedoms in eastern Saudi Arabia, by the Saudi authorities sparked protests in eastern Saudi Arabia and across the region in early January. The execution also severely degraded the relationship between predominantly Shiite Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia. Protests have been ongoing in eastern Saudi Arabia's Qatif governorate for a number of years; however, the end of the mourning period could be characterised by a spike in the number of protests and protesters. Gatherings may also occur on Friday 12 February, a traditional protest day. The risk of violence at all street protests in considered high. Clients in eastern Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Qatif governorate, should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Travellers should consider being escorted by a trained security driver or local contact familiar with the security environment when travelling outside of major urban centres or at night. All street protests should be avoided.

HAITI(PORT-AU-PRINCE) - The US Embassy in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, has warned of demonstrations expected to take place in the capital on 11 February. Protesters are expected to march along various roads of the city towards the Parliament building. The protests will take place amid elevated tensions leading up to the appointment of the interim president, following president Michel Martelly's departure from office on 7 February. Haiti has been subject to sustained protests following the October 2015 ballot, which failed to yield a conclusive winner. The run-off election initially, scheduled for 24 January, was postponed amid escalating violence, protests and civil disturbances, initiated in response to claims of electoral fraud and corruption by opposition candidates. Presidential run-off elections have now been scheduled for 24 April and a new president is expected to be sworn in on 14 May. Despite Martelly's resignation and the announcement of run-off elections, protests and unrest between supporters of opposing political parties are expected to persist in the run up to the appointment of the interim president, at least. The risk of violent unrest at all politically motivated gatherings is considered elevated at this time. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the country, specifically Port-au-Prince, are advised to monitor local developments and to avoid all politically motivated gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel as a standard precaution.

MEXICO(MORELIA) - A protest organised by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) is expected to take place in Morelia, in Michoacan state, on 11 February. Protesters are expected to gather in the vicinity of Palacio Federal from 10:00 local time. CNTE protesters have also stated that they will make use of Pope Francis's visit to the country, which concludes on 17 February, to highlight their grievances. Specifically, related protests have been called for on 14 February; these will likely take place in the capital, Mexico City. CNTE frequently holds protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms. In addition to the aforementioned demonstrations, protests are possible in the CNTE strongholds of Michoacan, Oaxaca and Guerrero states for the duration of the Papal visit. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended and will likely result in road travel disruptions at all protest sites. The events are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of violence occurring at any upcoming event cannot be discounted. CNTE protesters are also known to erect roadblocks on key routes, which can result in significant travel disruptions. Clients in Mexico over the coming days are advised to monitor local media for related updates on any related events. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution and allowances should be made for any potential disruptions, particularly in Mexico City, as well as Michoacan, Oaxaca and Guerrero states.

VENEZUELA - Youth Day will be commemorated in Venezuela on 12 February. The day marks the anniversary of the battle of La Victoria during Venezuela's war of independence. Commemorations of the anniversary of anti-government protests in 2014 also take place on 12 February. Related events and rallies are likely to centre on the capital, Caracas. The upcoming events will likely result in disruptions in major cities in Venezuela, particularly Caracas. It should be noted that clashes occurred at various pro- and anti-government demonstrations coinciding with the commemorative events in Caracas, San Cristobal and elsewhere on 12 February 2015. In light of Venezuela's ongoing economic crisis and recent political tensions between the ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) and the opposition Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD), rival rallies are likely to take place on the day. The risk of violence at all related events is credible. Clients in Venezuela on 12 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. A heightened degree of personal security awareness is advised in the vicinity of any commemorative event. Finally, allowances should be made for potential disruptions.

BAHRAIN - A number of protest actions are expected to take place throughout Bahrain in the run up to the 14 February anniversary of the start of the 2011 opposition protests against the regime, and the anniversary of the 17 February 2011 violent crackdown on protesters. On 11 February, a procession is expected to take place at a funeral home in the Al-Jufair area of the capital, Manama, from 08:00 local time. On 12, 13 and 14 February, activist and opposition groups have called for countrywide protests and acts of civil disobedience. The protests are unauthorised and in response to the upcoming anniversary authorities in Bahrain have placed the security forces on high alert. The protests are expected to largely impact on Shiite communities on the periphery and outside of the capital, Manama. The agitation may result in road travel disruptions, including along major highways linking Manama and Saudi Arabia. The possibility of violence, particularly at unauthorised events, cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas in all locations is advised against. All street protests should be avoided.

LEBANON - Two symbolic anniversary periods are anticipated in Lebanon in the coming days. On 14 February, the country will commemorate Rafik Hariri Memorial Day. The day commemorates the 2005 assassination of the former prime minister. Annual commemorative events are typically led by the Future Movement, the party of Saad Hariri, the son of Rafik. The primary event is held at the Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center (BIEL) facility in the capital, Beirut. The anniversary of the 2008 assassination of Hezbollah commander, Imad Mughniyah, falls on 12 February. Commemorative events are anticipated in southern Beirut and parts of southern Lebanon and eastern Lebanon. Note that the 14 February anniversary is also a public holiday in Lebanon The Hariri-related events are likely to be met with an increased security force presence in the vicinity of the BIEL facility on 14 February. Should Hezbollah events proceed, these are likely to be met with a strong deployment of Hezbollah militia. Any Hezbollah events are likely to portray a strong anti-Western and anti-Israeli sentiment. In recent years, these events have concluded without major incident; however, political tensions are elevated in the country and the potential for confrontations between opposing groups remains a possibility, particularly in towns outside of the capital. Flash points include towns in the Bekaa governorate, Tripoli, and Sidon. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Lebanon and against all travel to certain areas, including within 15km of the Lebanon Syria border in the Bekaa and North governorates, Palestinian refugee camps, Tripoli and areas south of the Litani River in the Nabatieh and Ej Jnoub governorates. Persons in the country on 12 and 14 February should monitor local media for updates on possible gatherings in their area of travel. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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