SUDAN - SUSPECTED AVIAN FLU OUTBREAK, Sitrep 1

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000935

SIPDIS

AIDAC
SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/SPG, PRM, AND ALSO PASS USAID/W
USAID FOR DCHA SUDAN TEAM, AF/EA, DCHA
NAIROBI FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA, USAID/REDSO, AND FAS
USMISSION UN ROME
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
NAIROBI FOR SFO
NSC FOR JMELINE, TSHORTLEY
USUN FOR TMALY
BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREF PGOV PHUM SOCI KAWC SU
SUBJECT: SUDAN - SUSPECTED AVIAN FLU OUTBREAK, Sitrep 1



1. (SBU) WHO contacted USAID on April 18 to alert us to
possible outbreak of avian flu in Sudan. Today a rapid
test by the Government of Sudan on nasal secretions and
serum from affected birds revealed Strain A flu.


2. (SBU) A WHO outbreak investigation team is scheduled
to arrive in Khartoum on April 19 equipped with a PCR
machine that will be able to do immediate tests on site.
Samples are also being sent to a laboratory in London. It
will take about a week for confirmation from the London
laboratory.


3. (SBU) There have been heavy losses of poultry in the
Khartoum area in the last few weeks. Some producers are
said to have lost up to $500,000 and more as a result of
the illness that has swept through the bird population,
largely in Khartoum North. WHO reported to USAID that
there are reports of avian deaths as far north as Shendi.


4. (SBU) One suspected human case is hospitalized in
Khartoum and under treatment with tamiflu. The patient, a
35 year old man is reported to be responding well to
treatment.


5. (SBU) We hear that the Government of Sudan is planning
to make press statements announcing avian flu, although
WHO is more cautious publicly, wanting to wait for test
results. Privately, they told USAID that this level of
deaths indicates likely H5N1 virus.


6. (SBU) In a meeting with USAID on April 18, WHO
requested assistance from the US Government in support of
the Ministry of Health efforts. Protective clothing and
tamiflu doses are needed for 100 workers in the short
term. WHO said 100 sets of PPE and 250 doses of tamiflu
would be a good start. USAID believes that more PPE is
needed given that PPE is usually used once and then
discarded. REDSO/Nairobi's e-mail offer to send 300 sets
immediately is timely and welcome. WHO has also prepared
a proposal to USAID for about $400,000 to support the
Government's action plan that includes surveillance,
detection and prevention/containment. A copy of the
proposal is being forwarded to USAID/W.


7. (U) USAID/Khartoum will commence numbered sitreps on
the outbreak beginning with this one.

STEINFELD