Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09HOCHIMINHCITY338
2009-05-06 10:39:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Cable title:
TFFLU01 HCMC H1N1 INFLUENZA CONTAINMENT MEASURES: PASSENGER
how-toVZCZCXRO7485 RR RUEHHM DE RUEHHM #0338/01 1261039 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 061039Z MAY 09 FM AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5693 INFO RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA 0001 RUEFHLC/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC RUEHHI/AMEMBASSY HANOI 3747 RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH CITY 5929
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 HO CHI MINH CITY 000338
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR CA/OCS/EAP, DS/IP/EAP; EAP/MLS, EAP/EX
M/PRI FOR (MORRITZ, ROBIN)
SES-O FOR (PARRA, ELIAS),AAIT, OESIHA, MED
HHS FOR OGHA (JKULIKOWSKI, ACUMMINGS, DMILLER)
CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COGH
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO AMED AEMR AMGT CASC EAGR PINR MG KFLU KFLO
KPREL, KSAF, KPAO, ASEC, KSEO, VM
SUBJECT: TFFLU01 HCMC H1N1 INFLUENZA CONTAINMENT MEASURES: PASSENGER
SCREENING, PUBLIC OUTREACH, NO TRAVEL OR PORK IMPORT BANS
REF: A) STATE 41768, B) STATE 6306; C) STATE 67922 AND 67936 [2008]; D. STATE 42349
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 HO CHI MINH CITY 000338
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR CA/OCS/EAP, DS/IP/EAP; EAP/MLS, EAP/EX
M/PRI FOR (MORRITZ, ROBIN)
SES-O FOR (PARRA, ELIAS),AAIT, OESIHA, MED
HHS FOR OGHA (JKULIKOWSKI, ACUMMINGS, DMILLER)
CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COGH
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO AMED AEMR AMGT CASC EAGR PINR MG KFLU KFLO
KPREL, KSAF, KPAO, ASEC, KSEO, VM
SUBJECT: TFFLU01 HCMC H1N1 INFLUENZA CONTAINMENT MEASURES: PASSENGER
SCREENING, PUBLIC OUTREACH, NO TRAVEL OR PORK IMPORT BANS
REF: A) STATE 41768, B) STATE 6306; C) STATE 67922 AND 67936 [2008]; D. STATE 42349
1. (SBU) Summary. As of COB May 6, there have been no confirmed
reports of the novel H1N1 influenza A in humans or livestock in
Vietnam. As over 70 percent of international arrivals enter the
country through HCMC, the virus is expected to make its Vietnam
debut here. Authorities state that thermal scanning of
international arrivals began April 26, and that procedures to
diagnose, quarantine, and treat H1N1 influenza patients are in
place. End Summary.
No Confirmed H1N1 Flu Cases in Vietnam
--------------
2. (SBU) There are no confirmed human cases of H1N1 influenza A
in Vietnam and HCMC officials have ruled out several suspected
cases using clinical testing. As over 70 percent of
international arrivals enter Vietnam through HCMC, the virus is
expected to make its Vietnam debut here. Local media reported
that on May 3 two Vietnamese children returning from Hong Kong,
two Vietnamese Americans, a Dane and an Australian were
quarantined after exhibiting high body temperatures detected by
thermal scanning upon arrival at HCMC's Tan Son Nhat
International Airport. Head of Medical Affairs of the HCMC
Department of Health (DOH) Dr. Phan Van Nghiem told ConGen on
May 4 that all six had tested negative for H1N1 influenza A and
had been discharged.
Media Sounds Influenza Alarm
--------------
3. (U) Vietnam's major dailies and television outlets are
providing extensive daily coverage of the H1N1 influenza
outbreaks in Mexico and the United States, and its spread
overseas. Most stories conclude with practical tips on
identifying symptoms and avoiding flu contagion and urge readers
and viewers to seek medical treatment if afflicted. Physicians
working in the field are also posting influenza treatment and
avoidance guidelines on media websites.
Officials Spread Public Health Info
--------------
4. (SBU) Human and animal health officials are directing public
outreach efforts to educate the general public and swine farmers
about H1N1 risks and precautions. Dr. Tu, Head of Department of
Microbiology and Immunology, of the HCMC Pasteur Institute, said
his organization is conducting outreach training for
representatives from provincial preventive medicine centers in
southern Vietnam, so that these centers can then effectively
educate the public regarding the H1N1 swine flu threat. Deputy
Director of the Region VI Animal Health Center Dr. Phuong said
the HCMC Department of Animal Health has issued a memorandum to
provincial animal health centers under its jurisdiction
requiring them to issue H1N1 influenza A guidelines and
warnings, urging provincial centers to strengthen monitoring,
prevention, and outreach activities. (Note: Region VI
encompasses 11 provinces: HCMC, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Binh
Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Ninh
Thuan, Binh Thuan. End Note.)
Incoming International Travelers Screened
--------------
HO CHI MIN 00000338 002 OF 003
5. (SBU) Dr. Hiep from the HCMC International Health Quarantine
Center said that Tan Son Nhat airport authorities have been
thermally scanning arriving international passengers since April
26, and that health personnel and equipment are on stand-by to
screen arriving cruise ship passengers in HCMC and neighboring
Ba Ria Vung Tau province. The DOH's Dr. Nghiem told ConGen that
incoming passengers must also now fill out declarations
describing their recent medical history. No plans are in place
to screen overland passengers arriving from Cambodia according
to Dr. Hiep.
Diagnosis, Quarantine, Treatment Protocols in Place
-------------- --------------
6. (SBU) Authorities confirm that diagnosis and treatment
protocols for passengers suspected of H1N1 infection are in
place. According to Dr. Tu, incoming passengers who scan
positive or exhibit flu systems will be transferred to HCMC
Tropical Disease Hospital for further diagnosis. Both the
Pasteur Institute and the HCMC Tropical Disease Hospital (TDH)
have the capability to diagnose the H1N1 influenza A virus, but
cannot identify the specific subtype of current interest. Dr.
Tu expects testing kits with that capability to arrive at the
Institute in several days, courtesy of the U.S. Center for
Disease Control and Prevention. Passengers diagnosed with this
H1N1 influenza will be quarantined and treated at the TDH, the
Pham Ngoc Tuberculosis Hospital or Pediatric Hospitals Numbers
One and Two, with the protocol used for H5N1 avian flu cases.
Dr. Tu noted that a new treatment protocol specific to H1N1
swine flu will be put in place as soon as it is received from
the World Health Organization (WHO). According to HCMC DOH's
Dr. Nhiem, the four aforementioned hospitals have two hundred
beds available to treat H1N1 cases, with an additional surge
capacity of 1000 beds.
No Travel or Treatment Restrictions on Foreigners
-------------- --------------
7. (SBU) Dr. Hiep from the HCMC International Health Quarantine
Center confirmed that there are no travel restrictions currently
in place for passengers from affected areas. Dr. Nghiem noted
that no distinction will be made between foreign and Vietnamese
patients with respect to treatment of H1N1 infections. (Note:
Currently, foreign patients cannot be admitted to the HCMC
Tropical Disease Hospital without the permission of high level
hospital officials. End Note.)
No Pork Import Restrictions
--------------
8. (SBU) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and
HCMC authorities have told us that the GVN has no plans to ban
pork imports. Imported pork is being inspected, and where
necessary, quarantined as per usual procedures.
9. (SBU) Comment: Capacity and experience developed by HCMC
authorities in dealing with outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic
avian influenza will likely prove useful in preparing for a
possible H1N1 influenza A outbreak. HCMC authorities have taken
a measured response, preparing for the eventuality of
H1N1-infected travelers, but not overstepping into travel or
pork importation bans. Interestingly, government efforts also
appear to be diffusing quickly into the private sector. On his
way to visit the Jabil Circuits Company in an outlying district
HO CHI MIN 00000338 003 OF 003
of HCMC, Ambassador Michalak not only passed a large billboard
reading "H1N1 Influenza is a Danger to All" but he and his party
were thermally scanned before entering the facility. End
Comment.
10. (U) This cable was coordinated with Embassy Hanoi.
FAIRFAX
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR CA/OCS/EAP, DS/IP/EAP; EAP/MLS, EAP/EX
M/PRI FOR (MORRITZ, ROBIN)
SES-O FOR (PARRA, ELIAS),AAIT, OESIHA, MED
HHS FOR OGHA (JKULIKOWSKI, ACUMMINGS, DMILLER)
CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COGH
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO AMED AEMR AMGT CASC EAGR PINR MG KFLU KFLO
KPREL, KSAF, KPAO, ASEC, KSEO, VM
SUBJECT: TFFLU01 HCMC H1N1 INFLUENZA CONTAINMENT MEASURES: PASSENGER
SCREENING, PUBLIC OUTREACH, NO TRAVEL OR PORK IMPORT BANS
REF: A) STATE 41768, B) STATE 6306; C) STATE 67922 AND 67936 [2008]; D. STATE 42349
1. (SBU) Summary. As of COB May 6, there have been no confirmed
reports of the novel H1N1 influenza A in humans or livestock in
Vietnam. As over 70 percent of international arrivals enter the
country through HCMC, the virus is expected to make its Vietnam
debut here. Authorities state that thermal scanning of
international arrivals began April 26, and that procedures to
diagnose, quarantine, and treat H1N1 influenza patients are in
place. End Summary.
No Confirmed H1N1 Flu Cases in Vietnam
--------------
2. (SBU) There are no confirmed human cases of H1N1 influenza A
in Vietnam and HCMC officials have ruled out several suspected
cases using clinical testing. As over 70 percent of
international arrivals enter Vietnam through HCMC, the virus is
expected to make its Vietnam debut here. Local media reported
that on May 3 two Vietnamese children returning from Hong Kong,
two Vietnamese Americans, a Dane and an Australian were
quarantined after exhibiting high body temperatures detected by
thermal scanning upon arrival at HCMC's Tan Son Nhat
International Airport. Head of Medical Affairs of the HCMC
Department of Health (DOH) Dr. Phan Van Nghiem told ConGen on
May 4 that all six had tested negative for H1N1 influenza A and
had been discharged.
Media Sounds Influenza Alarm
--------------
3. (U) Vietnam's major dailies and television outlets are
providing extensive daily coverage of the H1N1 influenza
outbreaks in Mexico and the United States, and its spread
overseas. Most stories conclude with practical tips on
identifying symptoms and avoiding flu contagion and urge readers
and viewers to seek medical treatment if afflicted. Physicians
working in the field are also posting influenza treatment and
avoidance guidelines on media websites.
Officials Spread Public Health Info
--------------
4. (SBU) Human and animal health officials are directing public
outreach efforts to educate the general public and swine farmers
about H1N1 risks and precautions. Dr. Tu, Head of Department of
Microbiology and Immunology, of the HCMC Pasteur Institute, said
his organization is conducting outreach training for
representatives from provincial preventive medicine centers in
southern Vietnam, so that these centers can then effectively
educate the public regarding the H1N1 swine flu threat. Deputy
Director of the Region VI Animal Health Center Dr. Phuong said
the HCMC Department of Animal Health has issued a memorandum to
provincial animal health centers under its jurisdiction
requiring them to issue H1N1 influenza A guidelines and
warnings, urging provincial centers to strengthen monitoring,
prevention, and outreach activities. (Note: Region VI
encompasses 11 provinces: HCMC, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Binh
Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Ninh
Thuan, Binh Thuan. End Note.)
Incoming International Travelers Screened
--------------
HO CHI MIN 00000338 002 OF 003
5. (SBU) Dr. Hiep from the HCMC International Health Quarantine
Center said that Tan Son Nhat airport authorities have been
thermally scanning arriving international passengers since April
26, and that health personnel and equipment are on stand-by to
screen arriving cruise ship passengers in HCMC and neighboring
Ba Ria Vung Tau province. The DOH's Dr. Nghiem told ConGen that
incoming passengers must also now fill out declarations
describing their recent medical history. No plans are in place
to screen overland passengers arriving from Cambodia according
to Dr. Hiep.
Diagnosis, Quarantine, Treatment Protocols in Place
-------------- --------------
6. (SBU) Authorities confirm that diagnosis and treatment
protocols for passengers suspected of H1N1 infection are in
place. According to Dr. Tu, incoming passengers who scan
positive or exhibit flu systems will be transferred to HCMC
Tropical Disease Hospital for further diagnosis. Both the
Pasteur Institute and the HCMC Tropical Disease Hospital (TDH)
have the capability to diagnose the H1N1 influenza A virus, but
cannot identify the specific subtype of current interest. Dr.
Tu expects testing kits with that capability to arrive at the
Institute in several days, courtesy of the U.S. Center for
Disease Control and Prevention. Passengers diagnosed with this
H1N1 influenza will be quarantined and treated at the TDH, the
Pham Ngoc Tuberculosis Hospital or Pediatric Hospitals Numbers
One and Two, with the protocol used for H5N1 avian flu cases.
Dr. Tu noted that a new treatment protocol specific to H1N1
swine flu will be put in place as soon as it is received from
the World Health Organization (WHO). According to HCMC DOH's
Dr. Nhiem, the four aforementioned hospitals have two hundred
beds available to treat H1N1 cases, with an additional surge
capacity of 1000 beds.
No Travel or Treatment Restrictions on Foreigners
-------------- --------------
7. (SBU) Dr. Hiep from the HCMC International Health Quarantine
Center confirmed that there are no travel restrictions currently
in place for passengers from affected areas. Dr. Nghiem noted
that no distinction will be made between foreign and Vietnamese
patients with respect to treatment of H1N1 infections. (Note:
Currently, foreign patients cannot be admitted to the HCMC
Tropical Disease Hospital without the permission of high level
hospital officials. End Note.)
No Pork Import Restrictions
--------------
8. (SBU) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and
HCMC authorities have told us that the GVN has no plans to ban
pork imports. Imported pork is being inspected, and where
necessary, quarantined as per usual procedures.
9. (SBU) Comment: Capacity and experience developed by HCMC
authorities in dealing with outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic
avian influenza will likely prove useful in preparing for a
possible H1N1 influenza A outbreak. HCMC authorities have taken
a measured response, preparing for the eventuality of
H1N1-infected travelers, but not overstepping into travel or
pork importation bans. Interestingly, government efforts also
appear to be diffusing quickly into the private sector. On his
way to visit the Jabil Circuits Company in an outlying district
HO CHI MIN 00000338 003 OF 003
of HCMC, Ambassador Michalak not only passed a large billboard
reading "H1N1 Influenza is a Danger to All" but he and his party
were thermally scanned before entering the facility. End
Comment.
10. (U) This cable was coordinated with Embassy Hanoi.
FAIRFAX