NETHERLANDS CONFIRMED CASE OF H1N1 FLU

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000282 STATE FOR DS/IP/EUR, EUR/WE, DS/CC, DEPARTMENT FOR SWINE FLU MONITORING GROUP, USDA FOR FAS/OFSO/DYOUNG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC NL KFLU AEMR CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO PREL, PING, AMGT, MG, FI SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS CONFIRMED CASE OF H1N1 FLU REF: STATE 42349 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Post convened a Pandemic Influenza Working Group (PIWG) meeting on May 1 to discuss the recent confirmed case of H1N1 (Swine Flu) in the Netherlands, review the Mission,s current preparedness plans (including Mission trip wires) and update a recently- sent warden notification. Those present were the A/DCM, CG, HU, FAS, ESTH officer and RSO. ¶2. (U) On April 30, the first case of H1N1 (Swine flu) was confirmed by Dutch health authorities. The case involves a three year old who recently returned from Mexico on April 27. Both child and parents are being treated and are said to be doing well. The Dutch government is currently attempting to locate passengers who sat near the family on the return flight. Twenty of the 30 passengers in close proximity of the toddler have been identified and contacted. The Dutch government also announced it has five million courses of anti-viral drugs in stock and intends to acquire additional Tamiflu and anti-viral vaccines based on possible additional needs. ¶3. (U) On April 27, Management and the Health Unit sent out a management notice based on recent State Department and Med guidance. The Health Unit at post has inventoried the current supply of Tamiflu and Relenza on hand. General hygiene practices have been encouraged, including hand washing, covering mouth when coughing, and staying at home when ill. Hand cleaner has been recently re-distributed throughout the Embassy and will continue to be made available throughout Mission facilities in the near future. Personal Protective Equipment including face masks, gowns, gloves, surgical masks and N95 masks have been inventoried and determined sufficient amounts are on hand. ¶4. (U) The PIWG determined that although some tripwires have been triggered, the Mission has taken appropriate steps and that it would recommend that any Americans, including Embassy staff, infected with H1N1 seek treatment in Netherlands, rather than departing for the United States. Furthermore, Americans who develop influenza-like illness (ILI) should contact their local general practitioner for treatment options and Dutch protocol. In addition, they should contact the Mission Health Unit so they are aware of the situation. The RSO recommended that a test of the Emergency Phone tree be conducted in the near future. ¶5. (U) On April 28, the Consulate General issued a Warden Message to all registered Amcits in the Netherlands. On May 1 the Consulate General has updated the prior warden message to include information in para 2 and reiterate guidance to the public. Dutch authorities have also posted an information leaflet in Dutch and English at www.rivm.nl. GALLAGHER