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