International SOS

What are the impacts on business travellers of Iceland's volcanic activity? A volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula has now erupted six times since December 2023. International SOS’ Senior Security Specialist Charly Anderson recently travelled to Iceland’s capital Reykjavik as part of an in-country assessment to better understand the operational environment. She offers advice about volcanic and other risks to help you prepare for your visit. 

International SOS is closely monitoring regional developments amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah. Lead Security Analysts Polina Vynogradova and Tarun Nijjer offer our assessment of the fast-moving situation and give advice on how International SOS can help people in the region.

International SOS is sending ever more alerts relating to extreme weather risk to clients. Flooding, heat waves, wildfires and droughts are all increasing in intensity and can have knock-on effects on food insecurity, water scarcity, social unrest and conflict. In this podcast our Security and Medical experts discuss how International SOS helps organisations by providing information, analysis, and assistance amid climate-related events to help businesses plan and protect their workforce.

With just weeks to go before the US presidential election on 5 November, the threat environment in the country is fluid and evolving. In the first episode of International SOS’ new podcast series, Chief Security Analyst – West, Mike Rogers and Lead Security Analyst – North America and the Caribbean, Tim McShane set the stage by discussing the current security landscape. They also delve into drivers of escalation and discuss scenarios for the remainder of the electoral cycle. 

International SOS recently carried out in-country assessments in three Balkan countries. Senior Security Specialist Edwin Spraggs travelled to Albania, Bulgaria and North Macedonia and offers advice for business travellers planning to visit the region and tips about how to prepare.

There has been a significant increase in Oropouche infections reported in the Americas and the Caribbean. More than 7,000 cases have been reported since late 2023, with fatalities and birth defects documented for the first time. International SOS’ public health coordinator Keely Dennis tells us more about the virus. She says with no vaccine available, the only way to prevent getting the infection is to avoid mosquito and midge bites.

Increasing mpox infections in Congo (DRC) have made the outbreak of the virus the largest ever in the country. Infections have been detected throughout Congo, including the capital Kinshasa. Mpox has also been detected in at least four other African countries. International SOS' Global Medical Director for Information and Analysis, Dr Irene Lai and Lead Security Analyst for Central Africa, Tarun Nijjer offer this update about the outbreak and give answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the spread of the virus.

We recently conducted a trip to Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state, to assess the in-country security situation, accommodation options and provider capability. Security Manager for Assistance, Benedikt Zimmermann visited the city, where we rate the travel risks as EXTREME. He also addresses the recent countrywide anti-government protests and offers an assessment of the prospects for further demonstrations.

International SOS has amended its Risk Ratings for several areas in Mexico, following a recent review of the country's security environment. Our information and analysis teams consider a wide variety of factors when making their assessments, including data from various sources and on-the-ground visits. International SOS’ Lead Security Analyst for Mexico and Central America, Raul Iglesias and Security Specialist Valeria Rendon talk us through the changes to the security environment, how these are reflected in our Risk Ratings and what organisations should be aware of.

The World Health Organization has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to an increasing number of mpox infections which have now been detected across parts of central and east Africa. Mpox is a potentially severe viral disease that is transmitted through close contact with a sick person or contaminated objects and surfaces. International SOS’ Global Health Advisor for Clinical Governance, Dr Chris van Straten, and Public Health Coordinator Diego Zendejas say a new variant is behind the latest outbreak.