Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MONTEVIDEO239
2009-04-29 16:23:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Montevideo
Cable title:  

EAC - URUGUAY'S PREPAREDNESS FOR H1N1 INFLUENZA

Tags:  AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO KPAO KSAF PINR PREL TBIO 
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RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHQU RUEHRD RUEHRG RUEHRS RUEHTM RUEHVC
DE RUEHMN #0239 1191623
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 291623Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8976
INFO RUEHWH/WESTERN HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS DIPL POSTS
RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 2122
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 2478
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 2616
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 3133
RUEHSO/AMCONSUL SAO PAULO 3779
UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000239 

SIPDIS

FOR MGSF01: SWINE FLU MONITORING GROUP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO KPAO KSAF PINR PREL TBIO
UY, KFLU
SUBJECT: EAC - URUGUAY'S PREPAREDNESS FOR H1N1 INFLUENZA

REF: STATE 42349

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000239

SIPDIS

FOR MGSF01: SWINE FLU MONITORING GROUP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO KPAO KSAF PINR PREL TBIO
UY, KFLU
SUBJECT: EAC - URUGUAY'S PREPAREDNESS FOR H1N1 INFLUENZA

REF: STATE 42349


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Uruguay's Health Ministry reported there
are no actual or suspected cases of H1N1 influenza in
Uruguay, and that local health authorities stand ready to
screen incoming travelers with flu-like symptoms. On
4/28/09, U.S. Embassy Uruguay held an EAC meeting to review
post's preparedness and tripwires. Post will maintain daily
communication with the Ministry of Health.


2. (SBU) The Uruguayan Ministry of Health is typically
proactive and is assessing the country's preparedness.
However, given the resource limitations, in the event of a
true pandemic erupting in Uruguay, medical services would
likely be quickly overwhelmed. Demand for the routine flu
vaccination increased dramatically in recent days, and the
government of Uruguay is seeking replenishment of its
supplies.


3. (SBU) The airport is on the lookout for passengers with
obvious flu-like symptoms and may consider temporary
quarantine of individuals if necessary. Airport workers are
wearing paper masks and latex gloves. Press reports indicate
that one traveler from Mexico with flu-like symptoms has been
isolated at home, and is being treated with antiviral
medications. A sample is being sent to the U.S. for analysis.


4. (SBU) U.S. Embassy Montevideo held an EAC meeting on
4/28/09 to discuss H1N1 influenza issues and our own
preparedness. Post has sufficient protective masks, Tamiflu,
emergency food and water, and other relevant supplies to
shelter employees for a limited time should the situation
escalate. We are urging calm and providing preventive
measures information to Embassy employees, The American
School, and American citizens. The EAC will meet
periodically to reassess the situation.
Matthewman