VZCZCXYZ0002
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBE #0164 1201747
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 301747Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY BELMOPAN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1806

UNCLAS BELMOPAN 000164 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/ITA, D, P, M, CA, S/CT, INR, AND WHA/CEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AEMR KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC AMGT AMGT BH
SUBJECT:  BELIZE:  EAC PREPARATION AND STATUS UPDATE FOR H1N1 FLU - 
TWO MEETINGS 
 
¶1.  Summary:  The EAC convened on April 28 to review the information 
known about the H1N1 flu virus outbreak, and to review post's 
Tripwires for Pandemic Flu.  The EAC decided to restrict travel of 
American personnel and their families to neighboring Mexico and 
Guatemala until further notice as a precaution.  The EAC agreed to 
meet daily.  A Town Hall meeting was called to inform all mission 
employees and family members about the medical facts of the flu and 
the embassy's response and preparedness.  On April 29, four virus 
samples were sent from Belize to CAREC for testing.  Additional 
samples will be sent today.  End summary. 
 
¶2.  On April 29 four samples (two from Belize City, one from Orange 
Walk, one from San Pedro) were sent to the Caribbean Research and 
Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Trinidad for testing of the type A or 
B flu virus (a finding of type B would eliminate the possibility of 
H1N1 virus).  The results should be back later today to the regional 
medical coordinator in Belize, Dr. Paul Edwards, Epidemiologist.  If 
the test reveals the virus is type A, they will test for seasonal 
flu virus.  If seasonal flu viruses are then eliminated, they will 
send the sample to CDC to determine the virus type.  The lab also 
has several samples ready to be sent to CAREC today, April 30. 
 
¶3.  On April 28 in response to the H1N1 flu outbreak in Mexico, the 
EAC met to review the tripwires for Pandemic Flu and determine what 
actions by the EAC were appropriate at this stage.  Because Belize 
borders Mexico, the tripwires state that post must regard the 
Mexican outbreak as if it were an outbreak in Belize.  The EAC 
discussed, and agreed to impose, a restriction on all American 
personnel and their family members on travel to Mexico, and also to 
Guatemala, as it borders both Belize and Mexico.  Families at post 
make frequent trips to Mexico to shop. 
 
¶4.  The EAC further determined that daily EAC meetings were 
necessary to monitor developments closely, share information among 
agencies, and review the mission's posture on travel, public 
services, and preparedness. 
 
¶5.  By direction of the EAC, hand sanitizer solution was locally 
procured and will be distributed to all consular personnel and to 
the local guards manning the principal entrances to the consular 
area and the Chancery.  Gloves will also be provided to the guards 
at the consular entrance and to consular personnel. 
 
¶6.  The Military Liaison Office (MLO) reported that they had 1000 
Personal Protection Equipment kits en route to post.  The Consular 
Section issued a Warden message in accordance with guidance from 
CA. 
The EAC ordered a test of the all-mission cascade system the evening 
of April 29.  GSO double checked the emergency supplies stored on 
the housing compound.  The embassy supply of diesel fuel was just 
replenished and is at maximum capacity.  A small supply of Tamiflu 
has been pre-positioned on the housing compound as Belize has a 
three-day weekend, May 1-3. 
 
¶7.  At the second EAC meeting, April 29, it was decided to 
quarantine an FSO scheduled to return this weekend from vacation in 
Mexico.  As a precaution he will be told to stay at home on the 
housing compound and supplied with Tamiflu and masks until the 
incubation period is over. 
The Peace Corps Director reported that his PCVs have been told not 
to travel to Mexico or Guatemala.  He also underscored the 
importance of Whereabouts Reporting.  Peace Corps has its own supply 
of Tamiflu stockpiled. 
 
¶8.  A Town Hall meeting of all mission personnel and family members 
was held on April 29.  The Embassy's Locally Employed nurse 
presented the medical facts about H1N1 flu, its symptoms and 
treatment.  She also instructed everyone on personal hygiene 
practices that can reduce one's chance of contagion.  The Embassy is 
well supplied with Tamiflu, masks and gloves.  Everyone was advised 
to stock up on food and other emergency supplies in the event that 
the EAC calls for a sheltering-in-place response. 
 
DIFFILY