PRESS STATEMENT ON H1N1 CASES AT BAGRAM AIRBASE

UNCLAS KABUL 001782 SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA, SCA/PPD, SCA/SRAP E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO KFLU AF SUBJECT: PRESS STATEMENT ON H1N1 CASES AT BAGRAM AIRBASE ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Public Affairs officers from the U.S. Embassy and USFOR-A met with officials from the Ministry of Public Health July 8 to draft a press statement on the 14 influenza cases at Bagram Air Base, which the Ministry released the afternoon of the same day. END SUMMARY. TEXT OF PRESS RELEASE ¶2. (U) 14 confirmed, mild cases of Influenza among US citizens detected, treated at Bagram Airbase ¶3. (U) Kabul, 8 July 2009 - In the past few days 14 cases of influenza (H1N1) have been reported from Bagram Air base among US citizens. All have been properly treated, recovered and returned to work. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) also sent an investigation team to the area. The team conducted a rapid assessment of clinics in the area and could not find any suspected cases. The MoPH is working closely with the US agencies and the World Health Organization to monitor the situation. To date no cases have been detected among Afghans. ¶4. (U) MoPH is prepared to detect and treat influenza and has a nationwide sensitive surveillance system. MoPH is vigilantly assessing the situation in Afghanistan, the region and the world and is in touch with different organizations including the WHO. ¶5. (U) A command and control center is in place at the MoPH Kabul and 3 telephone lines are available to provide information and guidance. 0798660829 0797665085 0798684404 ¶6. (U) For query please contact: Dr. Farid Raaid, a.raaid@gmail.com, 0799002793 EIKENBERRY