MATAMOROS EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS SWINE FLU OUTBREAK

UNCLAS MATAMOROS 000067

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/MEX, WHA/PDA,
STATE FOR OES/IHB, PA, CAPRESS
STATE FOR MED/DASHO
STATE FOR MED/DIR
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
CDC FOR CCID/NCPDCID, CCID/NCIRD, AND COGH/DGPPC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CVIS CASC KSCA TBIO MX
SUBJECT: MATAMOROS EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS SWINE FLU OUTBREAK

REF: STATE 41745


1. (SBU) On April 27, 2009, Consul General Cecilia
Elizondo-Herrera convened post's Emergency Action Committee to
discuss reftel and post's response to the swine flu outbreak.
In attendance were CG, MGT, IPO, RSO, and CONS Chief.




2. (U) Local media are reporting that there has been one
swine flu death in Matamoros and two confirmed cases in the
Ciudad Victoria area. The U.S. border crossings in Matamoros
and Reynosa are operating under normal conditions, although
there are reports that CBP officers are screening travelers for
symptoms. Flight operations continue at the Matamoros airport.




3. (SBU) EAC reviewed post's health/epidemic tripwires and
is monitoring the local environment. EAC agreed to suspend visa
appointments until May 6, and will reschedule American Citizen
Service cases. The Consulate General will be open for emergency
services. Post will issue a press release outlining these
measures. A warden message was sent out by ACS on April 24.
MGT section has procured surgical masks and gloves for all
employees, and will issue emergency preparedness guidelines to
employees. Liberal leave will be granted to post employees to
care for their children, as schools have been closed throughout
Mexico.




4. (SBU) There are no reported absences from the local
guard force or security personnel. RSO is developing
contingency plans should there be a significant absences among
the guard force.




5. (U) EAC will reconvene as necessary. Point of contact
for this matter is CG Cecilia Elizondo-Herrera, who can be
reached at 011-52-868-812-4402.

ELIZONDO-HERRERA