H1N1 INFLUENZA: MESSAGING FOR AMERICANS ABROAD

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