H1N1 INFLUENZA CASE CONFIRMED IN MOZAMBIQUE

UNCLAS MAPUTO 001010 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO SENV SOCI PGOV PREL MZ SUBJECT: H1N1 INFLUENZA CASE CONFIRMED IN MOZAMBIQUE ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Government of Mozambique (GRM) confirmed its first case of H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) on August 17. Preparations for the possible arrival of the influenza began in April, when the GRM began developing a response plan. The GRM has limited doses of Relenza and Tamiflu. Post has a Pandemic Influenza Working Group to monitor the situation. Mozambique's limited health care infrastructure could potentially be overwhelmed if a large number of cases were to develop. END SUMMARY. -------------- FIRST H1N1 CASE CONFIRMED IN AUGUST -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On August 17, the GRM confirmed its first case of H1N1 Influenza A in a 46 year old woman evaluated at Maputo Central Hospital who had traveled to South Africa and developed symptoms on August 6. Confirmatory testing was done at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa. To date, Mozambique has had 21 suspected cases but only 1 confirmed; 6 cases have laboratory results pending. ¶3. (SBU) Preparations for the possible arrival of H1N1 Influenza began in late April. The Mozambique Ministry of Health (MISAU) convened a meeting on April 29 to discuss novel Influenza H1N1. This included MISAU staff, other ministries (e.g. Agriculture) and other stakeholders, including NGOs, WHO, CDC, and USAID. MISAU shared the measures that had already been taken including some communication to the press, orientation information sent to provincial staff, consideration of the reactivation of an Emergency Commission, communication to entry ports (seaports, airports),and work on a case investigation form. MISAU previously developed an Avian Influenza Response Plan and Clinical Manual which is being adapted for H1N1 Influenza. -------------- GRM TAKING ADDITIONAL MEASURES -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Since the April meeting, additional measures were taken including: (1) Communication materials were developed and disseminated through television, radio, newspapers, and talks in health facilities in Maputo and in the provinces; (2) Clinical response teams were identified and trained at Maputo Central Hospital and Emergency Departments of other hospitals; (3) The National Immunology Reference Lab of the National Institute of Health procured specimen collection kits, trained staff in safe specimen packaging, established a relationship with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg for confirmatory testing, and recently received protocol and reagents to perform confirmatory testing in-country; (4) MISAU has limited doses of Relenza that will expire soon and purchased an additional 30,000 doses of Tamiflu and (6) information is now being provided at airports and other border entry posts advising passengers with influenza-like illnesses to seek medical attention. ¶5. (SBU) Post has a Pandemic Influenza Working Group and has updated its preparedness plans for Influenza. The working group is monitoring the situation closely. -------------- COMMENT: HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE A CONCERN -------------- ¶6. (SBU) While the GRM, and MISAU in particular have put a response together, the health infrastructure in Mozambique remains extremely weak, even in Maputo. If a large number of Influenza cases develop (H1N1 or other),these could potentially overwhelm the existing health capacity and drug supply available to the public. It is also likely that the current surveillance system may fail to detect many cases that occur, especially those that occur outside of Maputo. CHAPMAN