MGSF01: Ireland's First "Probable" H1N1 Case

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000180 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SWINE FLU MONITORING GROUP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO PREL PGOV EAGR, EI SUBJECT: MGSF01: Ireland's First "Probable" H1N1 Case ¶1. (U) Irish health authorities have confirmed the first "probable" case of the H1N1 virus in Ireland. The victim, a recently returned traveler from Mexico, has been quarantined and is undergoing medical treatment. It is understood that those in immediate contact with the victim have also been given antiviral treatment. However the health authorities have insisted that in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, there is no need to trace other passengers on the victim's flights from Mexico to Europe and onward to Ireland. ¶2. (U) The Irish Heath Service Executive (HSE) said that it would now step up its preparations for the infection following the raising of the WHO's alert to stage five. Those preparations include the stocking up of antiviral drugs as well as conducting a major public information campaign. It is understood that Ireland currently has a two-million dose stockpile of vaccine, enough to treat 47 percent of the population. The HSE said that it would not distribute these vaccines unless the situation worsened. FAUCHER