H1N1 FLU CONFIRMED IN ALGERIA

UNCLAS ALGIERS 000615 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AIAG DEPT PASS TO AID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR TBIO AMED EAID KSTH AG SUBJECT: H1N1 FLU CONFIRMED IN ALGERIA SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY. ¶1. (SBU) The Algerian Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed June 21 the first two cases of H1N1 flu in Algeria. The patients, an Algerian-American and one of her daughters, arrived June 16 on Lufthansa flight LH462 from Miami via Frankfurt. On June 19, the woman developed flu symptoms and went to a local hospital. The attending physician had her tested for influenza and the test came back positive. Her daughter was tested and confirmed on June 22. The two are quarantined in a special unit of a hospital in Algiers. Both are undergoing Tamiflu treatment. ¶2. (SBU) Family members who came in direct contact with the patients have been examined, tested and given prophylactic treatment. The MOH has the addresses and is in the process of contacting all 60 passengers, including 21 foreigners, who were on the same flight to bring them in for testing. The MOH has confirmed that a suspected case in the city of Tizi Ouzou came back with negative results. We are awaiting word on another suspected case in the city of Constantine. ¶3. (SBU) Since it is the start the summer vacation season, MOH medical teams are manning the airports and seaports and looking closely at flights and ferries originating from countries/cities with confirmed cases. Passengers may receive a full examination upon arrival. Algeria will be hosting the 2009 Pan African Festival July 5 - 20, and a special medical team will be in place to cover the event. ¶4. (SBU) Post Emergency Action Committee met on June 22 to discuss the above developments (septel). The Embassy has re-issued advisories to all staff regarding H1N1 prevention, identification of symptoms, and proper reaction to symptoms. We are also reviewing guidance regarding issuance of a warden message. DAUGHTON