UNCLAS CANBERRA 000415

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR EXECSEC LIBBY, AIAG FOR WINN; STATE PLEASE PASS
DHHS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO PREL
PINR, AMGT, MG, AS
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA H1N1 SITREP 28 APRIL 2009

REF: A. SECSTATE 42324

B. SECSTATE 41745


1. (SBU) The following is a SITREP covering Australia's
response to the H1N1 outbreak.


2. (SBU) Government Response: The GOA is actively monitoring
the spread of H1N1 globally, and activated a National
Incident Room command post, led by the Department of Health
and Ageing (DOHA), on April 26 (this NIR was in place to deal
with the arrival of refugees on Ashmore Reef, but has been
extended to deal with H1N1). The Minister of Health, Nicola
Roxon, has been in close contact with relevant state
authorities through the Australian Health Protection
Committee (AHPC) and has instituted screening measures for
incoming air passengers. This screening consists of active
non-automatic pratique measures for all flights originating
or picking up passengers in the Americas. This includes
in-flight instructions to report illness to flight crew and
reporting by flight crew of suspected illness for screening
by quarantine and health officers on arrival. The
Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer has notified general
practitioners on H1N1 and DOHA has provided information to
emergency departments, border screeners, and first
responders. The Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference
Laboratory is the WHO collaborating center for influenza in
Australia. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(DFAT) added information about H1N1 in the United States to
its U.S. travel advisory on April 27. The advisory does not
warn Australians against traveling to the U.S., but suggests
they consult a physician or hospital if they suffer from flu
symptoms.


3. (SBU) Case Count: As of 1700 local time April 28,
Australian health authorities are according to media
investigating at least 45 suspected cases in the Australian
Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria,
Tasmania, and Western Australia, but have so far not
confirmed any H1N1 cases.


4. (SBU) Post Actions: Post is working with DOHA to monitor
the situation, and issued a management notice on April 28
providing updated information for post personnel. The EAC is
scheduled to meet on April 29 to review pandemic influenza
tripwires and additional actions under the post pandemic
plan. A Town Hall meeting was already scheduled for April 29
and Charge and post management are prepared to provide
information on H1N1 in that meeting.


5. (SBU) Consular Issues: As of 1600 local time April 28,
there are no reported consular cases involving H1N1 or
Australian screening measures.


6. (SBU) Public Diplomacy: The H1N1 outbreak is front page
news in all media, and U.S. actions are being closely
followed. There have been no direct inquiries as of April

28.

CLUNE