MGSF01: Malaysia Response to H1N1!Update

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000324 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR CA/OCS/EAP STATE FOR M/PRI FOR RMORRITZ STATE FOR S/ES-O/CMS FOR EPARRA STATE FOR EAP/MTS FOR DBISCHOF STATE FOR OES/AIAG FOR AMBASSSADOR LOFTIS, DWINN AND CPATTERSON STATE FOR REO/BKK FOR HHOWARD STATE FOR OES/IHB, AAIT, MED HHS FOR OGHA STEIGER AND HICKEY CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COGH USDA FOR APHIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO, PREL, PINR, AMGT, MG SUBJECT: MGSF01: Malaysia Response to H1N1!Update April 30, 2009 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Malaysia still has no reported human H1N1 cases. The screening procedures used by the Ministry of Health (MOH) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) continue to become clearer. Malaysia!/s preparedness infrastructure, including stocks of antiviral treatments and hospital facilities, is relatively sound. Post extended its outreach effort by holding a second town hall meeting at the Embassy, this time for the American public. Post has submitted a warden message to Consular Affairs, which will be sent out immediately upon clearance. END SUMMARY. MOH Screening Procedures at KLIA -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The MOH clarified their current screening procedures for passengers arriving by air. While news reports continue to quote Health Minister Liow in stating that all passengers from countries with confirmed cases of H1N1 will be screened, MOHMOH staff confirmed only flights coming into KLIA directly from the U.S. undergo mandatory screening. Passengers arriving from the U.S., Mexico, and other affected countries are directed to voluntarily report to a screening station. Screening includes a self-reported health declaration card and thermal scanning. Screened passengers showing symptoms of influenza-like illness or who are otherwise suspected of infection are immediately taken by MOH ambulance to one of two nearby hospitals. 28 hospitals nationwide are designated for quarantining and treatment, but only two in the Kuala Lumpur area (Klang and Sungai Buloh) have been placed on alert at this time. One passenger arriving at KLIA on April 29 was sent to Sungai Buloh with a fever. He was tested and released after six hours with a negative result. MOH Pandemic Preparedness Update -------------- ¶3. (SBU) MOH reports having enough Tamiflu for approximately 8% of the population. There is an additional stock donated by ASEAN but this is kept separately. MOH is still in discussion about what to do with their stock that will expire later this year. There are around 140 negative pressure rooms (NPR) throughout the above-mentioned 28 hospitals for quarantine purposes. Town Hall Meeting for American Community -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Post hosted a town hall meeting for the American community on April 30. The Mission briefing, led by the Ambassador, provided an update on the global outbreak and developments in Malaysia. Participants included representatives from the local international school, AmCham, and the American- Malaysian Association. Questions focused on screening and treatment procedures, travel restrictions, and Embassy services. The Department!/s 2006 DVD on Pandemic Preparedness was handed out. KEITH