KOSOVO: H1NI INFLUENZA RESPONSE

UNCLAS PRISTINA 000176 SIPDIS DEPT FOR CA/OCS - KINDER, EUR/SCE - SHIRATORI, COFFIN, DS/IP/EUR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMED ASEC CASC YI KV KFLU SUBJECT: KOSOVO: H1NI INFLUENZA RESPONSE REF: STATE: 43249 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED -- PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY. ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel, there are no reports of confirmed cases of H1NI influenza in Kosovo to date. The Government of Kosovo has implemented a public awareness campaign, and several GOK institutions have already disseminated World HEALTH Organization (WHO) guidelines on the precautions to take to prevent spreading or contracting the H1NI virus. ¶2. (SBU) The Kosovo Institute of Public HEALTH plans to print the WHO guidelines in all local newspapers, and has ONE epidemiologist placed at Pristina International Airport (PIA). The epidemiologist is working in coordination with the airport's medical unit to address any suspected H1NI cases among passengers arriving in Kosovo. The Kosovo Police, responsible for immigration and border protection, has instructed all regional commanders and airport personnel to ask passengers if they have traveled to any areas affected by the H1NI virus, and also urged close cooperation with local HEALTH organizations if officers encounter any suspected cases of infection. Post has learned that the KIPH has stockpiled about 2500 treatment courses of Tamiflu; the World Bank has pledged 2,000 treatment courses (1000 for adults/1000 for children); and that local pharmaceutical company KOFE has 14,000 treatment courses in reserve, at the request of the Kosovo Government. ¶3. (SBU) The Kosovo Veterinary and Food Agency (KVFA) has placed a ban on importing pork products from Mexico, and is also distributing informational brochures to parties that might be affected by the H1NI virus, including pig owners and farmers. The KVFA is also activating their avian influenza contingency plan and have trained mobile units on stand-by. There are KVFA inspectors located at all ports of entry, and in the cargo section of the airport. ¶4. (SBU) In addition, Post has taken the following actions: - On April 30, Post held an EAC to discuss the H1NI influenza situation with nearly all agencies under Chief of Mission authority. Post will review emergency phone lists for accuracy and review the Mission Emergency Action Plan. Post has enough Tamiflu doses (approx. 400) for all American staff, including family members, and local staff, not including family members. - On April 30, Post distributed a warden message to all Americans living in Kosovo and posted it on the public website. The warden message contained no specific medical advice and was cleared through the Department. KAIDANOW