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ISA Worldwide Alerts
The following alerts are to the best of ISA's knowledge gathered from direct observation, U.S. Department of State recommendations, Overseas Security Advisory Council reports, CDC and WHO guidance, and expert consultation. Information is subject to change.
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August 5, 2022
On August 4th, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced that the U.S. has declared monkeypox a public health emergency. The declaration should help increase access to funds and coordinate vaccination and treatment efforts throughout the nation. The risk to the general public remains low.
ISA continues to monitor the situation and will update this WWA with any major updates.
July 27, 2022
In May of this year, the monkeypox virus was detected in several countries outside of where it is normally present. Since then, new cases have been detected in over 70 countries. Monkeypox is an uncommon and rarely fatal disease that can cause fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that looks like blisters or pimples on the body that typically last 2-4 weeks. It generally spreads by contact with an infected animal, usually in a country where it is endemic, or very close contact with an infected person, their lesions, or personal belongings.
On July 23rd, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the spread of monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This designation is intended to support awareness of the virus and indicates that the outbreak requires a coordinated international response.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a global "Alert - Level 2" notice, encouraging enhanced precautions for travelers. However, no travel restrictions related to monkeypox have been advised, and the CDC advises that the risk to the general public remains low.
All ISA Fall 2022 programs are continuing as scheduled. Our Health & Safety team has been monitoring the current outbreak domestically and abroad, regularly communicating with our medical advisors, and reviewing our procedures on the ground. ISA will continue to closely follow developments related to monkeypox and communicate with students about best practices for staying healthy while abroad. This WWA will be updated accordingly. -
Athens
July 19, 2022
On July 19th, wildfires started in Mount Penteli, about 16 miles northeast of central Athens. While firefighters respond to the blaze, authorities have ordered the evacuation of four nearby areas: Drafi, Anthousa, Dioni, and Dasamari.
Although the fires can be seen from central Athens, ISA students do not live or study in the vicinity of the wildfires. ISA Athens resident staff has been in communication with students to advise them on areas to avoid and precautions to take to stay healthy. At this time, ISA does not anticipate any changes to the summer program as a result of the fires. ISA is continuing to monitor the situation, including air quality in central Athens, and will advise students appropriately. The ISA Athens resident staff remains available to support students, and ISA will update this Worldwide Alert as necessary.
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For further information, please refer to ISA’s Health and Safety section, particularly the information regarding the monitoring of world-wide security levels.
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