Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09RIYADH800
2009-06-16 14:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
SAUDI ARABIA H1N1 UPDATE
how-toVZCZCXRO0608 PP RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR DE RUEHRH #0800 1671406 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 161406Z JUN 09 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0996 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHNK/AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT PRIORITY 0027 RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA PRIORITY
UNCLAS RIYADH 000800
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC AMGT SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI ARABIA H1N1 UPDATE
REF: RIYADH 00761
UNCLAS RIYADH 000800
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC AMGT SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI ARABIA H1N1 UPDATE
REF: RIYADH 00761
1. (SBU) On June 14, the Ministry of Health (MOH) spokesman
Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani confirmed a total of 14 cases of
H1N1 since June 3, and new cases are being reported steadily.
The Ministry identified infected persons via thermal
screening at airports in Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Riyadh,
and by testing individuals who had been in contact with known
H1N1-positive patients. Ten of the patients had returned to
Saudi Arabia from the United States, two from the
Philippines, and two from Canada. The MOH spokesman said
that all of the patients, save the first case, are under the
care of specialist doctors in reputable hospitals equipped
with modern facilities. The first case, a Filipina nurse,
was discharged from the hospital and has reportedly returned
to work, and the Health Ministry has indicated that the 14
flu cases to date have been relatively mild and easily
treatable.
2. (SBU) The local press has quoted Deputy Health Minister
Al-Zahrani as saying that MOH has "made arrangements to
screen incoming pilgrims, store adequate quantities of
medicine to meet emergency situations, and has equipped
laboratories to carry out tests to identify the disease."
Reportedly the Shoura Council has summoned the Minister of
health Abdullah Al-Rabeah to discuss H1N1, as the Council
believes urgent attention is required in view of the upcoming
summer season, when the Hajj begins and up to two million or
more religious pilgrims are expected.
3. (SBU) The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) is sending
a delegation to guide the MOH's preparedness and planning
efforts for this summer's influx of pilgrims. The delegation
will meet June 27-30 with public health officials from the
Gulf Cooperation Council.
4. (SBU) Comment: The SAG is acting along the lines that
al-Zahrani explained to Emboffs (reftel): undertaking greater
surveillance while aligning its travel advisory policies with
WHO guidelines. MOH has imposed no restrictions on either
passengers or exports. The local press is covering the new
outbreaks promptly, providing both MOH hotlines and MOH
guidance. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti has issued a "religious
verdict" forbidding travel to countries which have reported
cases of swine flu, which was described as the result of
human sin. We doubt this will have any practical impact, at
least as far as travel to the United States is concerned.
ERDMAN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL TBIO KFLU CASC ASEC AMGT SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI ARABIA H1N1 UPDATE
REF: RIYADH 00761
1. (SBU) On June 14, the Ministry of Health (MOH) spokesman
Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani confirmed a total of 14 cases of
H1N1 since June 3, and new cases are being reported steadily.
The Ministry identified infected persons via thermal
screening at airports in Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Riyadh,
and by testing individuals who had been in contact with known
H1N1-positive patients. Ten of the patients had returned to
Saudi Arabia from the United States, two from the
Philippines, and two from Canada. The MOH spokesman said
that all of the patients, save the first case, are under the
care of specialist doctors in reputable hospitals equipped
with modern facilities. The first case, a Filipina nurse,
was discharged from the hospital and has reportedly returned
to work, and the Health Ministry has indicated that the 14
flu cases to date have been relatively mild and easily
treatable.
2. (SBU) The local press has quoted Deputy Health Minister
Al-Zahrani as saying that MOH has "made arrangements to
screen incoming pilgrims, store adequate quantities of
medicine to meet emergency situations, and has equipped
laboratories to carry out tests to identify the disease."
Reportedly the Shoura Council has summoned the Minister of
health Abdullah Al-Rabeah to discuss H1N1, as the Council
believes urgent attention is required in view of the upcoming
summer season, when the Hajj begins and up to two million or
more religious pilgrims are expected.
3. (SBU) The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) is sending
a delegation to guide the MOH's preparedness and planning
efforts for this summer's influx of pilgrims. The delegation
will meet June 27-30 with public health officials from the
Gulf Cooperation Council.
4. (SBU) Comment: The SAG is acting along the lines that
al-Zahrani explained to Emboffs (reftel): undertaking greater
surveillance while aligning its travel advisory policies with
WHO guidelines. MOH has imposed no restrictions on either
passengers or exports. The local press is covering the new
outbreaks promptly, providing both MOH hotlines and MOH
guidance. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti has issued a "religious
verdict" forbidding travel to countries which have reported
cases of swine flu, which was described as the result of
human sin. We doubt this will have any practical impact, at
least as far as travel to the United States is concerned.
ERDMAN