More H1N1 Cases Confirmed in Macedonia

UNCLAS SKOPJE 000366 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR PREL CASC PINR AMGT MK SUBJECT: More H1N1 Cases Confirmed in Macedonia Ref: A) SKOPJE 000197 B) SKOPJE 000314 ¶1. On July 4, Macedonian Health authorities announced the first confirmed case of Influenza A H1N1 in the country (ref b). The results were confirmed by a reference lab in London. Since then, a total of 14 cases have been confirmed and hospitalized at the State Clinics for Infectious diseases. According to GoM officials, only one patient was infected in-country by a sick relative; the others brought the virus from abroad. ¶2. Health Minister Osmani appealed to the public for better awareness and self-protection from the virus. He said that GoM is negotiating with WHO and the European Commission to provide H1N1 vaccines that are currently scheduled to arrive no earlier than September, and only in limited quantities. ¶3. Post will continue to monitor and report on any further developments related to the situation of Influenza A H1N1 in Macedonia. REEKER