China and 2009-H1N1

In an alert issued June 19 and set to expire Sept. 30, the Department of State wrote of current quarantine measures imposed by the government of China in response to the 2009-H1N1 pandemic.

These include placing passengers arriving from an area where outbreaks of 2009-H1N1 have occurred and who exhibit fever or flu-like symptoms (plus those sitting in proximity) into 7-day quarantine. In some instances, children have been separated from their parents; Chinese medical personnel might administer medications to minors without first consulting their parents.

There are reports of unsanitary quarantine conditions without suitable drinking water and food and with no way to communicate with others.