Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BRATISLAVA494
2009-11-25 12:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Bratislava
Cable title:
SLOVAKIA H1N1 UPDATE: RATE OF INFECTION INCREASING,
how-toVZCZCXRO8450 PP RUEHIK DE RUEHSL #0494 3291241 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P R 251241Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY BRATISLAVA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0283 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RHEHAAA/NSC WASHINGTON DC RUEHSL/AMEMBASSY BRATISLAVA 0330
UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000494
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/CE J. MOORE
STATE FOR OES/IHB
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI KFLU WHO CASC LO
SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA H1N1 UPDATE: RATE OF INFECTION INCREASING,
GOVERNMENT REMAINS LOW-KEY
REF: A. BRATISLAVA 471
B. BRATISLAVA 475
UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000494
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/CE J. MOORE
STATE FOR OES/IHB
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI KFLU WHO CASC LO
SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA H1N1 UPDATE: RATE OF INFECTION INCREASING,
GOVERNMENT REMAINS LOW-KEY
REF: A. BRATISLAVA 471
B. BRATISLAVA 475
1. (U) The rate of H1N1 infection in Slovakia continues to rise,
as 133 new cases of H1N1 flu were officially diagnosed in the
week ending November 20. The previous week had seen 72 new
cases, and before that just 29 new ones. In all likelihood,
these numbers greatly understate the actual prevalence of H1N1,
as relatively few of the 40,000 people in the country exhibiting
flu-like symptoms in recent weeks have been tested for H1N1.
Still, the public seems relatively unconcerned about the spread
of the virus, as it has apparently caused only a single death in
Slovakia.
2. (SBU) The controls implemented at the Ukraine border
(reftels) are continuing, and WHO Country Director Darina
Sedlakova told us that 10-15 Ukrainians have been denied entry
because they exhibited flu-like symptoms. Otherwise, the
government appears to be taking few measures in response to the
outbreak. Negotiations with vaccine companies are not yet
completed, and contrary to misleading reports in the local
media, our sources tell us that H1N1 vaccines will not be
available in Slovakia until February at the earliest.
EDDINS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/CE J. MOORE
STATE FOR OES/IHB
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI KFLU WHO CASC LO
SUBJECT: SLOVAKIA H1N1 UPDATE: RATE OF INFECTION INCREASING,
GOVERNMENT REMAINS LOW-KEY
REF: A. BRATISLAVA 471
B. BRATISLAVA 475
1. (U) The rate of H1N1 infection in Slovakia continues to rise,
as 133 new cases of H1N1 flu were officially diagnosed in the
week ending November 20. The previous week had seen 72 new
cases, and before that just 29 new ones. In all likelihood,
these numbers greatly understate the actual prevalence of H1N1,
as relatively few of the 40,000 people in the country exhibiting
flu-like symptoms in recent weeks have been tested for H1N1.
Still, the public seems relatively unconcerned about the spread
of the virus, as it has apparently caused only a single death in
Slovakia.
2. (SBU) The controls implemented at the Ukraine border
(reftels) are continuing, and WHO Country Director Darina
Sedlakova told us that 10-15 Ukrainians have been denied entry
because they exhibited flu-like symptoms. Otherwise, the
government appears to be taking few measures in response to the
outbreak. Negotiations with vaccine companies are not yet
completed, and contrary to misleading reports in the local
media, our sources tell us that H1N1 vaccines will not be
available in Slovakia until February at the earliest.
EDDINS