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