AVIAN INFLUENZA - POSSIBLE OUTBREAK IN NORTH SUMATRA

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001512 SIPDIS UNCLASSIFIED DEPT FOR EAP/MTS, G/AIAG, L/DL, EAP/EX, AND OES/IHA USAID FOR ANE/CLEMENTS AND GH/CARROLL DEPT ALSO PASS TO HHS/WSTEIGER/MSTLOUIS AND HHS/NIH DEPT ALSO PASS TO DOJ for OFL GENEVA FOR WHO/HOHMAN USDA/FAS/OSTA BRANT, ROSENBLUM USDA/APHIS ANNELLI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO EAGR AMGT PGOV ID KLIG SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA - POSSIBLE OUTBREAK IN NORTH SUMATRA REF: Jakarta 1503 ¶1. (U) Summary: Avian influenza test results are still unavailable on the samples from the twelve individuals hospitalized in North Sumatra with flu-like symptoms. The health of the hospitalized patients continues to improve. Clinical findings are not consistent with avian influenza. The Indonesian Department of Agriculture confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in the district. Indonesian government officials are treating the outbreak seriously. End Summary. ¶2. (U) Samples from the twelve individuals from Asahan district hospitalized at Asahan and Adam Malik hospitals arrived at the Indonesian National Institute of Health Research and Development (NIHRD) in the late morning August 8, and initial testing likely will not be complete until the evening of August 8 at the earliest. Given the potential seriousness of the outbreak, NIHRD will likely run tests two or three times before releasing any data. Embassy will inform Washington immediately if any of the samples test positive for avian influenza. ¶3. (U) WHO and hospital officials in Asahan indicate that the health of the ten patients treated in Asahan district hospital continues to improve and that all are expected to recover fully. The currently hospitalized cases were found through contact tracing of the patients who had died. Contact with fever symptoms of an influenza-like illness were sent to hospital for observation. None of patients who remained in Asahan currently have a temperature over 38 degrees centigrade and chest radiographs are reported to be clear. Tamiflu has been administered to all patients and exposed hospital staff. Prophylaxis doses are not being administered in the affected village. ¶4. (U) Two pediatric cases with particularly severe symptoms were sent to Adam Malik provincial hospital for treatment. According to the head of the hospital's infectious disease unit, one of the two patients under his care is slowly improving and has clear radiographs. The other patient, an eight month-old child, had a fever of 39 degrees throughout the day. This child's radiograph revealed a consolidation in the right lung. Both patients are being treated with Tamiflu and antibiotics. ¶5. (U) According to the FAO, avian influenza outbreaks have been reported in poultry in Asahan district by Ministry of Agriculture PDSR teams since 2006. The local PDSR team initially responded to a report of sudden poultry death August 4. Using the standard case definition and rapid test positive for influenza A, the PDSR officers confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry, culled all poultry in the village and disinfected the entire village. Samples were not collected because the PDSR officers did not have the equipment necessary to transport samples. Embassy has received reports that culling is completed in the affected area. ¶6. (U) We have received numerous reports that the potential outbreak is being taken very seriously and that local officials are following appropriate guidelines. An interagency command post has been set up to manage the situation and local authorities have mobilized throughout the district to strengthen monitoring and outreach efforts. HUME