Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PRAGUE237
2009-04-30 14:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Prague
Cable title:  

MGSF01: PRAGUE EAC REGARDING H1N1

Tags:  AEMR AMGT ASEC CASC KFLO KPAO KSAF PINR PREL 
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VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHPG #0237 1201415
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 301415Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 1330
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

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