TFFLU01: H1N1 INFLUENZA OUTBREAK AND BRAZIL: SITREP #11

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000609 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, KIPR, BR SUBJECT: TFFLU01: H1N1 INFLUENZA OUTBREAK AND BRAZIL: SITREP #11 (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) As of May 13 the Brazilian Ministry of Health continues to report eight confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in Brazil. The eight cases are spread throughout five states: Sao Paulo (2 cases),Rio de Janeiro (3 cases),Minas Gerais (1 case),Santa Catarina (1),and Rio Grande do Sul (1). The Ministry of Health is currently monitoring an additional 37 suspected cases. OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: ¶4. (SBU) Brazilian press reported that an American citizen was hospitalized in the State of Bahia with H1N1-like symptoms, and noted the individual is a 43 year old male who was visiting the city of Salvador, Bahia to do volunteer work with a church group. The man arrived in Brazil on Wednesday, May 6, and began to experience flu-like symptoms a few days later. On Sunday, May 10, he sought medical attention at a local hospital, where he was examined by Brazilian doctors and put into isolation. Brazilian health officials informed the Consulate that today that his results came back negative for H1N1 and he's been released from hospital. The Consular Agent in Salvador has been in touch with him and confirmed that he's doing well. ¶4. (SBU) Two Brazilian news outlets are quoting Health Minister Jose Temporao as stating that Roche and GlaxoSmithKline would not be able to keep up with demand for Tamiflu and Relenza if the number of H1N1 cases were to escalate. He, therefore, reportedly plans to have his Ministry ask for voluntary licensing of both drugs during the upcoming World Health Organization meeting. SOBEL