MGSF01 UPDATE ON H1N1 OUTBREAK IN JAPAN

UNCLAS TOKYO 001171

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SUBJECT: MGSF01 UPDATE ON H1N1 OUTBREAK IN JAPAN

REF: TOKYO 1161 and previous


1. (U) Summary: Cases of H1N1 infection were reported in previously
unaffected areas in Japan, although only in isolated cases. One
additional case was reported in Tokyo City in a woman who returned
from the United States May 19. The GOJ implemented a new policy to
respond to the less virulent H1N1 influenza May 22. The new policy
allows for more flexible responses to minimize the impact on daily
activity. The new policy eliminated most of the airport screening
and isolation procedures. As of May 22 0800, the GOJ halted
on-board screenings for flights from the U.S., Canada and Mexico,
unless there is a passenger having H1N1 influenza-like symptoms on
board. The GOJ also ended the practice of sequestering passengers
who sat near an infected person, and monitoring by telephone of
passengers on flights with infected passengers. Chief Cabinet
Secretary Kawamura sought to play down the threat by comparing H1N1
to seasonal flu in remarks to the press. End Summary.


2. (U) As of May 22, 2009 10:00 local time, media report 294
confirmed human cases of the novel Type A H1N1 influenza in Japan.
No H1N1 influenza deaths have been reported. There are no reports
of H1N1 infection among Americans in Japan.


3. (U) Individuals infected with the H1N1 influenza were confirmed
in six prefectures including Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Kanagawa and
Saitama. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government confirmed the second
case of H1N1 in Tokyo City May 21. The subject, a woman in her 30s
living in Meguro-ward of Tokyo, traveled to Florida and San
Francisco from May 6 to 18 and developed a high fever after
returning to Tokyo May 19 on NW flight 27. The first H1N1 case was
confirmed in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo May 20. A 29-year old
man developed a high fever after returning to Saitama from Osaka and
Kyoto May 19. A 10-year old boy living in Kyoto, who had not
traveled outside of that region, is reported to be that city's first
confirmed case of H1N1.


4. (U) The GOJ implemented a new policy to respond to the less
virulent H1N1 influenza May 22. The new policy allows for more
flexible responses to minimize the impact on daily activity. The
previous policy was set to address the more virulent H5N1 virus and
called for more stringent measures for affected areas. The new
policy sets out different guidelines for responding to an outbreak
depending on the number of cases and spread of the disease. In
general, the measures are less stringent than the previous
guidelines, such as allowing patients in stable condition to remain
at home and only closing schools with confirmed cases of the virus.


5. (U) The new policy eliminated most of the airport screening and
isolation procedures. As of May 22 0800, the GOJ halted on-board
screenings for flights from the U.S., Canada and Mexico, unless
there is a passenger having H1N1 influenza-like symptoms on board.
The GOJ also ended the practice of sequestering for seven days
passengers who sat near an infected person, and the seven day
monitoring by telephone of passengers on flights with infected
passengers.


6. (U) Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura told reporters the
virus should be considered more like a seasonal flu than a more
deadly disease such as Avian influenza or SARS, at a May 22 press
conference. He advised people to remain cautious but calm.
ZUMWALT