May 19, 2006

Venezuela - Travel 

The Pan American Health Organization has confirmed a measles outbreak in Venezuela. All nationals and foreign residents must prove vaccination against measles and rubella. The government is supplying vaccinations through kiosks at the Maiquetia International Airport in Caracas in the event a passenger lacks documentation of vaccination. The PAHO also confirms 22 cases in Mexico so far in 2006.

South America Travel - Bus Crashes   

Bus crashes on long routes in South America are a continuing risk for passengers. Colombia reported in 2004 that there were 513 deaths and 2,782 injuries. Between July 2004 and June 2005 in Peru there were 557 deaths and 2,581 injuries. Passengers should be leery of the so called "bus-trucks" with front end engines. While they often look new and have high axles they are often unsound structurally. Recklessness of the driver is often the main culprit. It is always safer to take long route buses during daylight hours.