Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TIRANA567
2009-08-24 05:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Tirana
Cable title:
16 CONFIRMED CASES OF H1N1 VIRUS IN ALBANIA
how-toVZCZCXRO9291 OO RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSK RUEHSL RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHTI #0567 2360518 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 240518Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY TIRANA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8412 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UNCLAS TIRANA 000567
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT CASC KFLU PINR PREL AL
SUBJECT: 16 CONFIRMED CASES OF H1N1 VIRUS IN ALBANIA
REF: TIRANA 482
UNCLAS TIRANA 000567
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT CASC KFLU PINR PREL AL
SUBJECT: 16 CONFIRMED CASES OF H1N1 VIRUS IN ALBANIA
REF: TIRANA 482
1. (SBU) Four new cases of the H1N1 virus were confirmed on
August 18, bringing the total number of reported cases in
Albania to 16. Two of the 16 cases have been children. In a
recent development, Albania has begun to treat suspected
cases with Tamiflu. H1N1 symptoms have been relatively mild
in Albania, and there may be cases that have gone unreported.
The number of suspected cases sent to Romania for testing
has been increasing in recent weeks. Samples must be sent to
Romania because Albania does not have the capacity to confirm
suspected cases through testing. According to the Institute
of Public Health, approximately 15 samples are sent daily to
Romania for testing. This recent increase could be a result
of increasing H1N1 infections in the country, increased
testing, or an increase in patients seeing doctors due to
recent press coverage.
2. (SBU) The Institute of Public Health is currently
attempting to secure USD 3 million to obtain enough vaccine
for 300,000 people. The new vaccine is currently being
developed and is expected to become available in October.
According to health officials, this is the minimum amount
necessary to cover the basic needs of the population. The
GOA has stated publicly that it cannot fund such a purchase
and will seek assistance from the World Bank or the World
Health Organization.
JONES
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT CASC KFLU PINR PREL AL
SUBJECT: 16 CONFIRMED CASES OF H1N1 VIRUS IN ALBANIA
REF: TIRANA 482
1. (SBU) Four new cases of the H1N1 virus were confirmed on
August 18, bringing the total number of reported cases in
Albania to 16. Two of the 16 cases have been children. In a
recent development, Albania has begun to treat suspected
cases with Tamiflu. H1N1 symptoms have been relatively mild
in Albania, and there may be cases that have gone unreported.
The number of suspected cases sent to Romania for testing
has been increasing in recent weeks. Samples must be sent to
Romania because Albania does not have the capacity to confirm
suspected cases through testing. According to the Institute
of Public Health, approximately 15 samples are sent daily to
Romania for testing. This recent increase could be a result
of increasing H1N1 infections in the country, increased
testing, or an increase in patients seeing doctors due to
recent press coverage.
2. (SBU) The Institute of Public Health is currently
attempting to secure USD 3 million to obtain enough vaccine
for 300,000 people. The new vaccine is currently being
developed and is expected to become available in October.
According to health officials, this is the minimum amount
necessary to cover the basic needs of the population. The
GOA has stated publicly that it cannot fund such a purchase
and will seek assistance from the World Bank or the World
Health Organization.
JONES