VENEZUELA: FIRST H1N1 DEATH

UNCLAS CARACAS 000932 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR WHA/BSC, WHA/EPSC AND OES/IHB FOR MED FOR DS/IP/WHA FOR CA/DCS BOGOTA FOR RMO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMED ASEC CASC KPAO KSAF TBIO KFLU KSEAO KSTH VE SUBJECT: VENEZUELA: FIRST H1N1 DEATH REF: A. CARACAS 673 ¶B. CARACAS 800 ¶1. (SBU) On July 19 Health Minister Jesus Mantilla announced that an 11-month-old baby girl had died from complications associated with the H1N1 virus, including viral pneumonia and dehydration. The official cause of death was multiple organ failure, according to the Ministry of Health. A postmortem examination revealed a positive test result for H1N1. ¶2. (SBU) As of July 20, the Venezuelan Ministry of Health has reported 2,214 suspected cases of the H1N1 virus. 281 cases have been confirmed; 236 of the confirmed cases have recovered. According to Ministry of Health statistics, 62.9 percent of the suspected cases have been travelers and members of the 25 to 44 year-old age group. ¶3. (SBU) Post disseminated warden messages on April 30 and June 8 regarding the status of the H1N1 epidemic in Venezuela. Post will continue to monitor the epidemic, including any future changes to GBRV entry and exit requirements or the GBRV's quarantine of individuals with flu-like symptoms. CAULFIELD