Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MUSCAT509
2006-04-03 10:10:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

OMAN ROLLS OUT AVIAN FLU PLAN

Tags:  TBIO KFLU ECON PREL MU ESTH 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000509 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARPI AND NEA/RA (CLAWSON)
AMMAN FOR EST HUB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO KFLU ECON PREL MU ESTH
SUBJECT: OMAN ROLLS OUT AVIAN FLU PLAN

REF: A. MUSCAT 26


B. 05 MUSCAT 1752

-------
Summary
-------

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000509

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARPI AND NEA/RA (CLAWSON)
AMMAN FOR EST HUB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO KFLU ECON PREL MU ESTH
SUBJECT: OMAN ROLLS OUT AVIAN FLU PLAN

REF: A. MUSCAT 26


B. 05 MUSCAT 1752

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. Oman rolled out in February its much anticipated National
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan with a view toward
promoting public awareness, and will conduct a series of
simulations in the Dhofar region to test its effectiveness.
As of April 1, Oman remains avian influenza-free,
notwithstanding occasional rumors to the contrary. End
Summary.

--------------
Plan Unveiled
--------------


2. In a series of recent conversations, Econoff discussed
Oman's newly adopted National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Plan with Dr. Salah al-Awaidy, Director of Infectious
Diseases Surveillance at the Ministry of Health. Al-Awaidy
commented that the plan, first unveiled in February, will
serve as a basis for regional development plans and be
updated every 3 months by an inter-ministerial committee
consisting of officials from the Ministries of Health;
Commerce and Industry; Agriculture and Fisheries; Interior;
and Regional Municipalities, Environment, and Water
Resources, as well as the Royal Oman Police.


3. The plan establishes an avian influenza alert chart based
on information provided by the WHO through its influenza
pandemic phases and global alert level charts. It provides
comprehensive information on identifying avian influenza
cases, collecting, handling, and transporting specimens,
interpreting laboratory investigations, isolating identified
cases, and using vaccinations and antiviral agents. The plan
also outlines specific protocols for airports, seaports, and
poultry farms, as well as designates quarantine hospitals for
each region.


4. Al-Awaidy noted that the government is actively promoting
the plan to reduce anxiety among the public. To this end,
the government will conduct 'pre-informed' and 'surprise'
simulations in the southern Dhofar Governorate to test its
effectiveness in handling potential cases.

--------------
Avian-Flu Free
--------------


5. Al-Awaidy also dismissed rumors that cases of avian
influenza had been detected in Oman, noting on April 1 that
Oman still remained avian influenza-free. He reiterated an
earlier statement (ref A) that the government would be
forthcoming and timely in announcing to the public any
detected cases of avian influenza.
GRAPPO