MGSF01: PRAGUE EAC REGARDING H1N1

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000237 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO KPAO KSAF PINR PREL TBIO, KFLU, MG SUBJECT: MGSF01: PRAGUE EAC REGARDING H1N1 ¶1. Prague EAC met on April 30, 2009 to discuss the H1N1 influenza in light of the WHO Pandemic Influenza Alert Level increase from Phase 4 to Phase 5. Charge, A/DCM, RSO, POL/EC, DATT, ORA, LEGATT, CONS, MGT, FCS, PAS and MED were in attendance. ¶2. MED briefed on WHO phase guidelines and provided information regarding the disease, including symptoms, preventive actions and host nation capabilities. POL/EC advised that local contacts and open source information indicates only 3 suspect cases are known in the Czech Republic (for individuals with prior Mexico travel) and 3 earlier additional suspect cases tested negative for H1N1. The situation in neighboring countries and the EU response was also discussed. Host nation officials are tracking in-coming direct charter flights from Mexico and will provide medical screening services at the airport. One flight will arrive this Sunday and 2,000 travelers may arrive in the next few weeks. ¶3. EAC reviewed Post tripwires. Embassy offices continue to liaise with host nation counterparts regarding the situation and local capabilities. CA distributed a warden notice outlining the Department,s Travel Alert for Mexico. MED personnel are providing H1N1 information to schools which enroll employees, dependent children. MED has determined that the Embassy inventory of antivirals and medication are acceptable. RSO is conducting a radio drill this week to ensure appropriate emergency communications. EAC also reviewed possible action for the next tripwire and will pay heightened attention to any potential outbreaks in neighboring countries or confirmed human-to-human transmission in the Czech Republic (and of course illness within the Embassy community). ¶4. Post will maintain normal operating hours and services, and continues to monitor the situation. Any significant change in local status will be reported septel. Thompson-Jones