Jan. 15--Egypt: Officials announced that security precautions will be increased around the country after the Jan. 8 knife attack that injured three European tourists at a hotel in the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada. The terrorist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident was the most recent in a series of attacks that have plagued Egypt in the past year, including the downing of a Russian airliner that took off from Sharm el-Sheikh in October. Authorities stated that many areas of the country are safe to visit, including tourist areas along the Nile River and the Red Sea, but tourism to Egypt has dropped dramatically in the aftermath of such incidents.
El Salvador: National health authorities issued a warning about the spread of mosquito-borne viruses around the country, urging citizens and visitors to protect themselves against infection. The Aedes aegypti, or yellow fever mosquito, transmits dengue, chikungunya and Zika infections, which have been spreading throughout Central and South America in recent months. Women especially should avoid contracting Zika in the first trimester of pregnancy. The viruses can cause varying degrees of fever, joint and muscle aches, rash and severe headaches.
Germany: As Carnival planners in Dusseldorf and Cologne prepare for street festivities between Feb. 4 and 10, local authorities urged partygoers to use caution in large crowds after the high number of attacks against women on New Year's Eve. Thousands are expected to attend the festivities and carnival attendees should remain alert and aware of surroundings while in the large crowds and have personal security plans in place before attending.
Poland: As the ski season kicks off, activists warn that air pollution in some ski resort regions is as bad or worse than that in India's smog-choked Delhi. Zakopane, in the Tatra Mountains, is said to be the most affected by poor air quality, due in part to coal-burning stoves in homes in the area. Heavy traffic during the tourist season adds to the air pollution. Tourists should watch for air quality reports, as the government will notify the public when air pollution reaches dangerous levels.
Turkey: A suicide bomber killed at least 10 tourists in central Istanbul Tuesday, raising security concerns for travelers throughout the country. The attack took place in Sultanahmet Square, near Istanbul's most popular tourist sites, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Officials blamed the Islamic State for the attack that also injured 15 others. Authorities expressed concern that historic and other tourist sites are being targeted. Tourists should use extreme caution and avoid crowded gatherings if possible.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, www.travel.state.gov.
Larry Habegger and Dani Burlison are freelance reporters.
