MGSF01: FIRST LAO H1N1 CASE CONFIRMED

UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000289 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR OES/IHB:JJONES, CPATTERSON; EAP FOR DHANNEMAN; EAP/MLS FOR JEMERY; CA/OCS/ACS/EAP FOR YGOTOH; DEPT FOR USAID/GBH USDA FOR FAS AND APHIS HHS FOR CDC USCINCPACLO FOR AFRIMS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC TBIO KSAF KPAO PREL PINR AMGT, ECON, EAID, WHO, LA SUBJECT: MGSF01: FIRST LAO H1N1 CASE CONFIRMED SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED ¶1. (SBU) Lao PDR's first case of H1N1 influenza was confirmed on June 16 by the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE). The patient is an adult male Australian citizen who developed influenza-like symptoms two days after returning to Lao PDR, where he works, from Australia. The patient has not required hospitalization but has been asked to stay at home for seven days, where he is reportedly improving. ¶2. (SBU) The Lao Ministry of Health and WHO issued a joint press release about the case on June 17. The press release reminds the Lao public of basic procedures to avoid contracting or transmitting influenza, and lists the official hotline for persons wishing to report influenza-like illnesses. Lao health authorities are monitoring the situation, and have taken no action to limit travel to or from Laos. ¶3. (SBU) Post Emergency Action Committee met on June 17 to discuss this development. Post is consulting with the Regional Medical Office in Bangkok for latest guidance on recommended procedures should a member of the Embassy community begin to exhibit influenza-like symptoms. Post will also issue a Warden Message to the American community in Lao PDR. HUSO