TFFLU01: H1N1 UPDATE #2- GOU GEARING UP; NO

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000245 SIPDIS WHA/BSC FOR MARY DASCHBACH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC AMED CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO PREL, PINR, AMGT, TF, UY SUBJECT: TFFLU01: H1N1 UPDATE #2- GOU GEARING UP; NO CONFIRMED CASES IN URUGUAY ¶1. Summary: As of May 5, Uruguay has no confirmed cases of the H1N1 influenza. The GOU expects test kits to diagnose H1N1 influenza to arrive shortly. Surveillance of incoming visitors at Carrasco International Airport has been extended to flights from the U.S., with special emphasis on individuals from Texas and California. Post has implemented regular meetings to monitor preparedness. Uruguay is entering into its traditional flu season; many precautions have already been implemented by the general public. No restrictions have been placed on U.S. pork. End summary. Uruguayan Government Actions -------------- ¶2. Upon arrival, all international travelers are asked to fill out a health statement to register any flu-like symptoms. Visitors from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. are now being questioned at the airport and called 10 days after arrival to monitor their health. The Minister of Public Health is currently monitoring 445 individuals recently arrived from these areas. To date, no regulation has been implemented to require the use of gloves and masks by airport workers, though companies flying to Mexico have decided to do so. There are no direct flights from Mexico to Uruguay. ¶3. The GOU is holding regular inter-agency meetings to coordinate plans and actions. Government action is currently being led by the Ministry of Public Health, though if a pandemic is declared in Uruguay, the National Emergency System (FEMA equivalent) will take charge. The GOU has a National Contingency Plan for Pandemic Influenza that it will implement if there is an outbreak in the country. It includes mandatory immediate notification of potential cases as well as plans for the collection, management, transport and shipment of virus samples. As part of general health precautions, the GOU has sentinel sites that remain vigilant for any cases of pandemic flu or other dangerous diseases. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that Uruguay has no intention of banning pork products from any affected country, stating that this is against the policy of the International Organization for Animal Health. ¶4. According to press reports, the Pasteur Institute is in the process of acquiring and providing test kits to the GOU for use in detecting the H1N1 virus. Post Actions -------------- ¶5. The Embassy's Pandemic Influenza Working Group (PIWG) updated the pandemic tripwires to respond better to the H1N1 challenges. PIWG designated POCs to contact key Uruguayan officials on a daily basis and to identify any humanitarian assistance needed. ¶6. Post's Health Unit has 324 doses of Tamiflu, more than 1000 surgical masks, and more than 800 n95 masks. Post has sufficient water and emergency rations on hand. In case of evacuation, the list of essential staff has been drafted, and travel orders and travel advances for non-essential staff have been prepared. CDC and WHO information is available to U.S. citizens via the Embassy website, and Conoffs, essential members of the PIWG, ensure the maintenance of the no double standard policy. Embassy cleaning staff is taking extra precautions to sanitize high traffic areas including door knobs and light switches. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been ordered and will be installed near the keypads at the entrance to each floor. Matthewman