International - Health Warnings
Swine Flu
'Swine Flu is still affecting travel to certain parts of the world, some countries require you to have a visa and a health declaration forum. Please check with the consulat of the country you intend to visit or the forgein office before making plans.
If you are aware of any groups due to travel to Mexico in the near future they should continue to monitor this advice which can be found at www.fco.gov.uk
E-coli
Last year Girguiding agreed to circulate to local Guide group leaders a leaflet advising how to reduce risks of E.coli O157 infection during rural activities.
A re-issue of the "Simple Precautions" leaflet has recently gone live on the Health Protection Scotland website, renewing the advice on how to identify and reduce these risks, whilst still enjoying the countryside. We have been asked to pass on the following guidance and would appreciate your assistance on further circulating this information, as you feel appropriate.
Click here for more things to do with International Guiding.
E-coli (continued)
Please note that there have also been instances in Scotland of private water supplies becoming contaminated with E.coli O157, affecting both camping events and rural residents.
The leaflet includes sources of more detailed advice on protecting private water supplies, which may be helpful both for group leaders, and for those of your members who are themselves living in rural areas, and for whom it is therefore doubly relevant.
More information:
The Scottish Government
The leaflet "Shedding light on E.coli 0157 - What you need to know" is issued by the Scottish Government Health Department to raise awareness of the potential risk of E.coli infection via animal or environmental contact.
If you require paper copies of this leaflet or would like to be added to their annual mailing list please contact: Sarah Conlon, Scottish Government Health Protection Team:
Tel: 0131 244 250
E-mail: sarah.conlon@scotland.gsi.gov.uk