Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PRISTINA176
2009-04-30 14:16:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Pristina
Cable title:
KOSOVO: H1NI INFLUENZA RESPONSE
how-toVZCZCXRO3413 OO RUEHPOD DE RUEHPS #0176 1201416 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 301416Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY PRISTINA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8974 INFO RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE PRIORITY 0038 RUEHSQ/AMEMBASSY SKOPJE PRIORITY 7550 RUEHTI/AMEMBASSY TIRANA PRIORITY 6418 RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS PRIORITY 0002 RUEHPOD/AMEMBASSY PODGORICA PRIORITY 0003
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.
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
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