TFFLU01 AUSTRALIA H1N1 SITREP MAY 11, 2009

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000448 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR H1N1 TASK FORCE, 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: TFFLU01 AUSTRALIA H1N1 SITREP MAY 11, 2009 REF: A. SECSTATE 42324 ¶B. SECSTATE 41745 ¶C. CANBERRA 435 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (SBU) The following is the latest SITREP covering Australia's response to the H1N1 outbreak. ¶2. (SBU) Government Response: The Department of Health and Ageing confirmed a single case of H1N1 infection in Queensland on May 9. This is Australia's first confirmed case, but was classified as a "weak positive" H1N1 infection. The 28-year old individual arrived on Quantas flight QF16 from Los Angeles on May 7, but was not considered infectious during the flight and made a full recovery. 19 additional passengers were contact traced and reported no additional symptoms. The GOA notified the WHO of the confirmation. ¶3. (SBU) Case Count: Since the outbreak of H1N1, Australia has investigated a total of 583 suspect cases, and confirmed one actual H1N1 infection. 21 suspect cases are still being investigated. ¶4. (SBU) Post Actions: Post continues to monitor the H1N1 situation in Australia. Post is convening a meeting of the pandemic influenza planning committee on May 15 to review and revise pandemic planning as appropriate. ¶5. (SBU) Consular Issues: As of May 11, there are no reported consular issues involving H1N1. ¶6. (SBU) Public Diplomacy: The first confirmed case of H1N1 garnered some media attention over the May 9-10 weekend, but H1N1 is no longer a significant media topic. CLUNE