NO NEW CASES OF AI REPORTED IN BURMA

UNCLAS RANGOON 000232 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, G/AIAG; PACOM FOR FPA; USDA FOR FAS/PECAD, FAS/CNMP, FAS/AAD, APHIS; BANGKOK FOR USAID:JMACARTHUR),APHIS:NCARDENAS, REO:JWALLER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID AMED PGOV PREL CASC TBIO KFLU BM SUBJECT: NO NEW CASES OF AI REPORTED IN BURMA REF: A. RANGOON 0228 ¶B. RANGOON 0221 ¶C. RANGOON 0212 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Burmese authorities have reported no new cases of AI in poultry since March 2, and no human cases since the current outbreak in Rangoon began. Health Ministry officials are monitoring all health care facilities in Rangoon for patients with flu-like symptoms, but have not found any suspected human AI cases. Recent replenishments from the regional stockpile brought WHO's total stock of PPEs to 900. The GOB has requested operating funds from WHO for its ongoing AI investigation, and its official cooperation with UN agencies continues to be strong. End summary. AI Control Effort in Rangoon -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) officials confirmed today that Burma has discovered no new cases of AI in poultry since March 2. Ministry of Health (MoH),LBVD and Yangon City Development Council personnel continue to monitor the health of residents and poultry in four affected townships. According to WHO AI coordinator Jum Coninx, GOB officials conducted advocacy and "sensitizing" sessions for regime authorities, including the Rangoon Division Commander, to ensure that and LBVD and MoH staff are permitted to react quickly and carry out activities to control and contain AI in the Rangoon region. ¶3. (U) As of March 6, there are no confirmed human AI cases in Burma. The MoH continued to monitor every Rangoon clinic and hospital for patients with flu-like symptoms. Coninx said that Ministry of Health (MoH) personnel conducted a training course on March 3 for all medical superintendents on how to identify and handle potential human AI cases. Medical staff have consistently followed recommended procedures for PPE use, she said. WHO and UNICEF Respond -------------- ¶4. (U) WHO has imported more PPEs from the regional stockpile to replenish the equipment used to control this outbreak. Coninx said WHO currently has 900 PPEs in stock, and will buy more surgical masks and other supplies for medical personnel at health care facilities. WHO epidemiologist Augusto Pinto will arrive in Burma shortly to assist surveillance and response efforts. Responding to a GOB request, Coninx has prepared a budget to fund operational costs of ongoing investigative activities, including transportation, per diem, and training. ¶5. (SBU) After receiving updated reports at a recent UN coordination meeting, UNICEF has begun to target the most vulnerable areas and populations more effectively for distribution of informational and educational materials. UN contacts at WHO and FAO report that coordination and communication with GOB counterparts has remained strong through the outbreak. Embassy remains in daily contact with WHO and FAO officials. VILLAROSA