FIRST CASE OF H1N1 INFLUENZA IN MONTENEGRO

UNCLAS PODGORICA 000152 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL CASC KFLU AEMR PINR MW SUBJECT: FIRST CASE OF H1N1 INFLUENZA IN MONTENEGRO REF: PODGORICA 111 ¶1. (U) The Montenegrin Ministry of Health held a press conference on June 22 to confirm its first case of H1N1 influenza. The case involves a high school student who studied in New York for a year before returning to Montenegro. He is reportedly being treated with Tamiflu and is in stable condition at Podgorica's main hospital. ¶2. (U) According to the Director of Montenegro's Clinic for the Prevention of Disease, the student departed Newark on June 18, transiting in Munich before reaching Belgrade on June 19. He arrived in Podgorica via Montenegro Airlines on June 20. After experiencing a high temperature and respiratory problems, he entered the hospital on June 21 and was confirmed as having H1N1 on June 22. ¶3. (U) Individuals with whom the patient came into contact have not yet been tested, but have communicated with their doctors and are taking preventive medication. The Institute for Public Health in Montenegro is also seeking out all passengers who travelled on the same flight from Belgrade to Podgorica. ¶4. (U) Ports of entry in Montenegro have begun providing information on H1N1 influenza (in several languages) to all passengers entering and departing Montenegro. ¶5. (U) EAC members agreed to redistribute basic data about H1N1, including preventive measures to embassy staff and American citizens. Post will report on any further developments related to the spread of H1N1 in Montenegro. MOORE