Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MONTEVIDEO245
2009-05-05 19:09:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Montevideo
Cable title:  

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

Tags:  KFLU AEMR ASEC AMED CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO 
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VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMN #0245 1251909
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 051909Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8981
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

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