TFFLU01: H1N1 INFLUENZA OUTBREAK AND BRAZIL: SITREP #7

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000560 DEPT FOR OES/IHB AMBASSADOR LOFTIS DEPT FOR WHA/BSC USDA PASS TO APHIS HHS PASS TO CDC HHS FOR OGHA SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO KFLU CASC AEMR AMED ASEC KSAF PREL PINR AMGT KFLO, KPAO, TF, BR SUBJECT: TFFLU01: H1N1 INFLUENZA OUTBREAK AND BRAZIL: SITREP #7 (U) THIS MESSAGE IS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED AND NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY. ¶1. (SBU) This report provides an update on developments in Brazil regarding the swine flu outbreak. NEW REPORTED CASES: ¶2. (SBU) There are no confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in Brazil, which is most likely due to the fact that Brazil does not yet have the necessary materials to begin testing. The Ministry of Health expects that once Brazil begins to actively test samples a number of the current suspected cases of H1N1 will be confirmed. As of the afternoon of Wednesday, May 6, the Brazilian Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the National Agency on Health Vigilance (ANVISA) in Brazil are reporting 28 suspected cases of H1N1 in 10 of Brazil's 27 states and the Federal District, and are monitoring 28 other cases spread throughout 20 states and the Federal District. BRAZILIAN GOVERNMENT'S RECENT ACTIONS: ¶3. (SBU) On Tuesday, May 5, ANVISA announced that it will begin to monitor international travel across Brazil's land borders. ANVISA officials are working with bus companies in Brazil to establish a monitoring system similar to the system already in operation at Brazil's international airports. ANVISA is asking international bus lines and their employees to inform ANVISA officials of passengers coming into Brazil with flu-like symptoms. These passengers will then be taken by ANVISA to an isolated area for further observation. ANVISA decided to initiate these plans in wake of Colombia's confirmation of an H1N1 case out of fear that the virus could reach Brazil through a land crossing. ¶4. (SBU) As of May 5 the press was quoting Ministry of Health sources stating that the rapid testing kits had not yet reached Brazil. However, several sources still estimate that test results could be ready as early as Friday, May 8. ¶5. (SBU) Due to the flu outbreak, the Brazilian Government recently cancelled an international conference in Belem and a trip to the United States by the president of the state owned energy company Petrobras to participate in the Offshore Technology Conference being held this week in Houston, Texas. DEVELOPMENTS WITH MISSION BRAZIL: ¶6. (SBU) Beginning May 5, applicants for consular services (visas and American Citizens Services) Mission-wide who feel ill or have flu-like symptoms are being encouraged to re-schedule their appointments and return when they're well. The normal re-scheduling fee for nonimmigrant visa customers will be waived. This information has been posted on the scheduling website, and the Mission's website. Additionally Consular sections are encouraging Greeters who notice a customer exhibiting flu-like symptoms to advise them of the option. Hand sanitizer has also been placed at the points of entry and in back offices. ¶7. (SBU) Mission Brazil's Flu Working Group has committed to reviewing the Mission's tripwires after the current pandemic subsides in order to incorporate the severity of a pandemic, rather than simply focusing on its spread. SOBEL