PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA: EAC REVIEWS TRIPWIRES AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LUANDA 000549 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR AF/S, DS/IP/AF, CA/OCS, M/MED AND DS/DSS/OSAC, PRETORIA FOR HQ REGION SIX, MCESG; CDC FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA PROGRAM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT AMED CASC TBIO KFLU KSAF KSEO KPAO AO SUBJECT: PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA: EAC REVIEWS TRIPWIRES AND PREPAREDNESS REF: LUANDA 546 ¶1. (SBU) A/DCM convened Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 2, 2009 to review information from the previous day confirming Angola's first cases of Pandemic H1N1 Influenza (Ref A). The EAC reviewed relevant tripwires and mission preparedness. The following sections and agencies were represented: POL, CDC, CONS, USAID, MGT, USDAO, GSO, CLO and RSO. ¶2. (SBU) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deputy country director provided a briefing on the overall situation concerning the outbreak. The Angolan Health Ministry continues to work in conjunction with CDC and WHO to monitor the situation and has undertaken an active influenza surveillance program. The Angolan Government has not yet disclosed publicly that the confirmed Influenza A cases are confirmed Pandemic H1N1-2009 Influenza. ¶3. (SBU) A/DCM led a review of the Department-approved Pandemic H1N1 Influenza tripwires, as contained in our emergency action plan (EAP). Based on the information available, the EAC was in agreement that it is premature to conclude that we have crossed Pandemic Influenza Tripwire Three, since transmission of the influenza has not reached "significant" or "efficient and sustained" levels. The EAC was unanimous in its assessment that Angola remains at Influenza Tripwire two. The EAC then concurred to recommend to the Ambassador that the following measures, initiated after Influenza Tripwire Two in April 2009, be reviewed and repeated, as appropriate: -- A warden message will be drafted, cleared with the Department, and disseminated to American Citizens in Angola. (Action:CDC and CONS) -- Both schools attended by American children (LIS and ESCOLA) will be consulted regarding health and safety procedures. (Action: CLO) -- An OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) meeting was recently held on August 27, 2009, at which time USG pandemic guidance and information were discussed. RSO will keep OSAC channels open to disseminate further information, as warranted. (Action: RSO) -- Post telephone cascade emergency notification system will be tested and any gaps or shortcomings addressed immediately. (Action:RSO and MGT) -- Post radio network will continue to be tested weekly per standard operating procedure. Alternative systems, including satphones and HF radio, will also be checked for operability and redundancy. (Action: IMO and DAO) -- Local guard mobile patrols will be on call as a backup in the event of failure of primary and alternative internal communications systems. (Action: RSO) -- Section/agency heads will confirm that classified document holdings are being maintained at minimum levels, and that their USDH drawdown staffing lists as reflected in the EAP are up to date. (Action: ALL) -- Existing contracts for critical services, i.e. water delivery and local guard program, will be reviewed for adequacy; extra water will be delivered to residences and facilities, as deemed appropriate. (Action: MGT and GSO) -- Local health care resources, health risks, and public health and sanitation conditions will continue to be reviewed; liaison will be maintained with GRA authorities on contingency medical and mortuary preparedness and capabilities. (Action: CONS) -- EAC will monitor U.S. Government outbreak, containment and contingency planning currently underway in South Africa, which has larger numbers of confirmed cases of Pandemic H1N1 Influenza, incorporating relevant planning strategies into Post's own preparation efforts. (Action A/DCM) ¶3. (SBU) RSO confirms that all elements of the Mission Security Force (Marines, Surveillance Detection Unit, and Local Guards) continue to be adequately staffed and that host LUANDA 00000549 002 OF 002 country police support for the security of the U.S. mission continues to be strong. RSO also confirms that all security standards and measures pertaining to post's established threat levels remain in place. ¶4. The Ambassador accepted all EAC recommendations, as cited above. ¶5. (U) Point of contact for this message is RSO Jason H. Smith, telephone 244 22 264-1112, or email: smithjh2@state.sgov.gov MOZENA