Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BRASILIA560
2009-05-06 19:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Brasilia
Cable title:  

TFFLU01: H1N1 INFLUENZA OUTBREAK AND BRAZIL: SITREP #7

Tags:  TBIO KFLU CASC AEMR AMED ASEC KSAF PREL PINR AMGT 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO8041
RR RUEHAST RUEHDH RUEHHM RUEHLN RUEHMA RUEHPB RUEHPOD RUEHTM RUEHTRO
DE RUEHBR #0560 1261934
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 061934Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY BRASILIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4202
INFO RUEHSO/AMCONSUL SAO PAULO 3963
RUEHRI/AMCONSUL RIO DE JANEIRO 7654
RUEHRG/AMCONSUL RECIFE 9457
RUEHZN/ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLECTIVE
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 1580
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEHRC/USDA FAS WASHDC
RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
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.

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