ECUADOR'S INITIAL RESPONSE TO H1N1 FLU

UNCLAS QUITO 000307 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC AMED KFLU ETRD EAGR ECON EC SUBJECT: ECUADOR'S INITIAL RESPONSE TO H1N1 FLU ¶1. (SBU) In response to global outbreaks of H1N1 influenza, the GOE has declared a national "State of Exception." The GOE response is continuing to take shape, but as of today, it has implemented the following measures: --The GOE banned imports of pork and pork products from the United States and Mexico on April 28. The Embassy understands that that ban was dropped on April 30, and replaced by a 30-day ban on the importation of live animals and genetic material, but we have not seen the decree. The Embassy informed GOE agricultural officials that the ban on pork products was unjustified. We will review the new decree and respond accordingly. --The GOE has begun screening passengers at airports and seaports, and is restricting charter flights to and from Mexico. It has also begun restricting passenger flight arrivals exclusively to Quito and Guayaquil, and cargo flight arrivals to Quito, Latacunga, and Guayaquil. This has created complications for USG military planes arriving at the Manta Forward Operating Location (FOL),which DAO has not yet been able to resolve. --There were three suspected cases of H1N1 in Ecuador reported the week of April 27, but GOE officials say it appears that these were strains of common flu. (Note: Ecuador does not as yet have H1N1 testing materials, but hopes to have some by May 4.) --The GOE has a pandemic influenza response plan that was introduced in August 2008, but the Embassy does not believe that it has ever been implemented. Questions remain whether the Government's level of preparedness matches what is outlined in the plan. --The Ministry of Health has requested 150,000 doses of Tamiflu from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). It expects 5,000 of these doses to arrive on May 7. It does not appear that the GOE has other stockpiles of Tamiflu. --The Mission is working in close coordination with Overseas Citizen Services in Washington, D.C. to keep the American citizen community apprised of recent developments. Per Department guidance, an initial warden message was sent on April 27 to all wardens and registered Americans in Ecuador, providing the Department recommended websites for information pertaining to H1N1. An additional message was sent to all wardens and registrants on April 30 outlining the GOE response and preventative measures outlined above. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and inform the American citizen community accordingly. --The Ambassador will hold a town-hall meeting for Mission employees and family members on May 4 to discuss Mission preparations and necessary precautions. Hodges