UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 043249

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC AMED KFLU
SUBJECT: H1N1 INFLUENZA: MESSAGING FOR AMERICANS ABROAD


1. SUMMARY: This cable provides guidance for
Consular Section Chiefs and American Citizens Services
(ACS) officers on dissemination of warden messages
related to the H1N1 Influenza A outbreak, previously
known as the Swine Influenza outbreak, and informs ACS
officers that an "H1N1 Flu Outbreak" event has been
created in the Consular Task Force (CTF) database. For
H1N1 flu cases and talking points, please use the CTF.
END SUMMARY.


2. As reports of possible and confirmed H1N1 flu cases
emerge in countries outside Mexico and the U.S., the
Department would like to emphasize the importance of
keeping American communities abroad informed of local
health conditions and the U.S. Government's response. As
warranted, posts are encouraged to send brief warden
messages that report on host country reactions to the
H1N1 flu outbreak, including any policy decisions
limiting commercial travel. Posts should refrain from
giving specific medical advice in their warden messages.
Instead, posts should refer American citizens to the
websites listed in the following warden message template
for medical guidance. Posts may also include host
government websites relating to H1N1 flu or pandemic
influenza in their warden messages.


3. Posts that decide to offer specific medical advice in
their warden messages must clear these warden messages
with the Regional Medical Officer (RMO) or post's direct-
hire Foreign Service Health Practitioner (FSHP) before
sending them to their CA/OCS/ACS desk officer for
Department clearances. Posts that temporarily suspend or
limit their non-emergency consular services should
coordinate this with their CA/EX management analyst who
will, in turn, work with their counterparts in CA/OCS and
CA/VO.


4. The following template is included to aid posts in
formatting their warden messages. BEGIN TEMPLATE.

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest
information regarding human cases of H1N1 Influenza A,
formerly known as swine flu. The (fill in the reporting
authority) has reported (fill in any local outbreak
information). Local authorities have (fill in the local
actions being taken, particularly those that limit
travel.)

For further information about H1N1 flu, including steps
you can take to stay healthy, please consult the
Department of State information at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/p a_pandemic.h
tml, the United States Centers for Disease Control
website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu, and the World
Health Organization website at
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/in dex.html.
For additional travel safety information, please consult
the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas
Citizens Services in the United States for the latest
travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens
Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling
1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by
calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Americans living or traveling in (name of country) are
encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate through the State Department's travel
registration website,

STATE 00043249 002 OF 002


https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that
they can obtain updated information on travel and
security within (name of country). Americans without
Internet access may register directly with the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American
citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to
contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy (or
Consulate) is located at (insert address and phone
numbers, including "emergency after-hours" phone number
if available, consular ACS section fax number, e-mail
address and website).

END TEMPLATE.

H1N1 FLU CASES AND TALKING POINTS - USE CTF


5. CA/OCS has established a "H1N1 Flu Outbreak" CTF
event accessible through the crisis services link in the
Consular Consolidated Database. Posts should enter into
CTF any cases of Americans in their consular districts
who are believed to be, or confirmed to be, infected with
H1N1 influenza. Crisis managers (ACS ACOs) at each post
have the ability to add new locations to the crisis
event. If a case occurs outside of Mexico, please add
post's country as a location and add additional location
details in the case notes. CA/OCS will also keep the
Talking Points in CTF updated for posts' reference,
ensuring that we have a consistent public message.


6. Minimize considered.
CLINTON