CAMEROON: FIRST CONFIRMED CASES OF H1N1

UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000703 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/C DEPT FOR OES/IHB DEPT FOR USAID/GH/HIDN DEPT FOR CA/OCS/ACS (T. MASON) DEPT FOR USDA PASS TO APHIS DEPT PASS USAID HHS PASS TO CDC HHS FOR OGHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU PINR CM TBIO ECON SOCI CASC EAGR SUBJECT: CAMEROON: FIRST CONFIRMED CASES OF H1N1 ¶1. SUMMARY: Cameroon has just announced its first confirmed cases of H1N1, one of which includes an Amcit. END SUMMARY. ¶2. On August 13, state-run radio announced the first four confirmed cases of H1N1 in Cameroon. Two of the cases are within the missionary community in Yaounde, and include at least one Amcit. Post has not been able to verify the actual number of confirmed cases. According to the patients' medical provider, cases within the missionary community have been confirmed by the Centre Pasteur, the reference laboratory in Cameroon with the ability to test and confirm H1N1 cases. Samples were also sent to a second, out-of-country, reference laboratory for verification, which confirmed Center Pasteur's findings. ¶3. According to a source within the missionary community, patients and their families have been quarantined for twelve days, and all persons having contact with the confirmed cases were quarantined for five days. Patients suffered mild symptoms and most have recovered. Two mission-run schools delayed their start dates by a few days, but have both started classes this week. ¶4. Post is in the process of contacting the Ministry of Health to learn how the GRC plans to react to this outbreak. Media reports that the Ministry of Health will begin a campaign at airports to inform travelers of H1N1 symptoms and action to be taken in the event of a suspicious case, but Post has not been able to confirm these reports. ¶5. Post has advised members of the Mission community of the case. We are clearing a warden message with the Department tracking that notice. GARVEY