MALAWI CONFIRMS FIRST H1N1 SWINE FLU CASE

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000506

SIPDIS
LONDON FOR AF WATCHER PETER LORD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI TBIO AMED MI
SUBJECT: MALAWI CONFIRMS FIRST H1N1 SWINE FLU CASE

Ref: Warner/Gwyn email 9/4

1. On Friday, September 4, positive laboratory results from an
individual in Malawi indicated the country's first confirmed case of
Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu). Samples from seven individuals
suspected of being infected were collected and sent to the South
African National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a WHO approved
testing center for Influenza A H1N1. Positive tests confirmed
infection in one individual. The confirmed case involved a young
adult male traveling from South Africa and entering Malawi on August
24 from Mozambique at a land border in Ntcheu district.


2. After samples were taken, the seven individuals were provided
information about H1N1 and advised to monitor their health over the
next several days before being permitted to continue freely into
Malawi. Ministry of Health (MOH) Principle Secretary Chris
Kang'ombe said on September 8 that the infected individual resides
in a village in Mangochi district and that he was treated with
Tamiflu, though it is unclear the degree to which the MOH is able to
track the case.


3. The Malawi governments response was initially delayed because
the key leaders involved in leading the response effort were away
from Lilongwe. The Ministry of Health is now engaged and has issued
a public statement confirming the reported case. CDC Malawi is
coordinating closely with the Ministry of Health as the Government
of Malawi implements its tracking and response effort to this first
confirmed case. Their efforts have also been coordinated with CDC
headquarters.


4. Embassy Lilongwe is well stocked with Tamiflu and personal
protective equipment for Mission personnel. The Embassy Health Unit
is following guidance from M/Med that only patients with severe
illness that may require hospitalization, or patients in high risk
categories be tested for H1N1 or treated with Tamiflu. The Embassy
will release a Warden Notice indicating that the GOM has confirmed
the positive case and informing community members where to find
additional information


5. Comment: The first confirmed case of H1N1 virus in Malawi shows
that the surveillance system put into place by the MOH successfully
identified the entry of the disease into the country. We are
disappointed by the slow response by the government of Malawi to
this confirmation and will continue work closely with them to
improve the weaknesses this case has highlighted in Malawi's health
care delivery system. It is too early at this time to project just
what the impact of swine flu will be in Malawi now that it has
arrived. We will take all prudent precautions to maintain the
health of Mission staff and to ensure that all amcits receive
appropriate information. End comment.

BODDE