INFO  LOG-00   EEB-00   AFSA-00  AF-00    AIT-00   AOP-00   AEX-00   
      AS-00    A-00     ACQ-00   CA-00    COME-00  CCOE-00  SCSO-00  
      DOTE-00  ANHR-00  WHA-00   DS-00    EAP-00   EUR-00   FAAE-00  
      UTED-00  VCI-00   FOE-00   FSI-00   OBO-00   H-00     TEDE-00  
      INR-00   IO-00    MMP-00   MOFM-00  MOF-00   M-00     CDC-00   
      VCIE-00  NEA-00   NSAE-00  ISN-00   OIC-00   OIG-00   OMB-00   
      OPR-00   PER-00   PM-00    SCT-00   ISNE-00  IRM-00   SSO-00   
      SS-00    MR-00    IAP-00   CRYE-00  FMP-00   R-00     SCRS-00  
      SDBU-00  PMB-00   DSCC-00  PRM-00   ALM-00   SCA-00   SAS-00   
      FA-00    PMA-00   MSPD-00    /000R

    
R 291429Z APR 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI

UNCLAS STATE 043253 
 
 
TO ALL DEPARTMENT OF STATE EMPLOYEES FROM THE DIRECTOR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: APER AMGT
SUBJECT: H1N1 INFLUENZA (SWINE FLU) UPDATE 
 
SUMMARY:  This Department Notice provides information 
for employees at domestic facilities on health issues 
related to the recent cluster of cases of influenza-like 
respiratory illness that are occurring in the United 
States, Mexico, and other countries due to the H1N1 
influenza virus (swine flu). This virus contains a 
unique genetic makeup that has not been reported 
previously.  END SUMMARY 
 
¶1.      H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease 
of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that 
regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. 
These viruses do not normally infect humans; however, 
human infections with H1N1 flu do occur, and cases of 
human-to-human spread of H1N1 flu viruses have been 
documented. 
 
¶2.      Earlier this month, a cluster of influenza-like 
respiratory illness in Southern California and near San 
Antonio, Texas, was identified by the CDC to have been 
caused by a type A, H1N1 flu virus which contains a 
unique genetic makeup that has not been reported 
previously among swine or human influenza viruses in the 
U.S. or elsewhere.  Additional cases have now occurred 
in several states in the US and in multiple other 
countries. 
 
¶3.      Over the past few weeks, there has also been an 
increase in influenza-like illnesses in Mexico and in 
the past several days there have been press reports of 
severe influenza illnesses and a number of deaths.  Some 
of the samples sent to the CDC for analysis have similar 
genetic characteristics to the viruses collected from 
California and Texas.  The CDC is presently assisting 
the WHO and Mexican Ministry of Health in responding to 
this public health concern.  Additional information 
concerning H1N1 flu and the epidemiological 
investigation underway in Mexico can be found at 
www.cdc.gov/swineflu. 
 
¶4.      The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to 
the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, 
cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and 
fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and 
vomiting associated with this flu.  In the past, severe 
illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths 
have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in humans. 
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of 
underlying chronic medical conditions.  Those 
experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially if they have 
had recent travel to areas reporting H1N1 flu, should 
contact their health care provider to see if additional 
testing or treatment is recommended. 
 
¶5.      All personnel are encouraged to follow the everyday 
actions listed below that can help prevent the spread of 
germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the 
influenza illness. 
 
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy - Everyday Actions 
 
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you 
cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after 
you use it. 
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially 
after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hands cleaners 
are also effective. 
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs 
spread that way. 
-- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage 
your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious 
food. 
 
Try to Avoid Close Contact with Sick People 
 
-- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to- 
person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. 
-- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home 
from work or school and limit contact with others to 
keep from infecting them. 
 
¶6.      Some personnel, especially those at border 
stations, airports, or other locations in contact with 
the public, may encounter individuals who appear to be 
sick.  The CDC recommends actions that you can take 
personally and provides advice for what to do if you 
encounter someone you believe to be exhibiting symptoms 
consistent with an influenza-like illness. 
 
Guidance for Passive Surveillance 
 
Should you encounter individuals or travelers who appear 
unwell, including those with a cough or apparent fever: 
 
-- Separate that individual to a private room or area 
maintaining six feet distance from employees and the 
public. 
-- After separating the traveler from others, the CDC 
quarantine station should be notified. 
-- To protect others, the ill traveler should wear a 
surgical mask. 
-- A room that separates the ill traveler from the 
airspace of others is preferred. 
 
¶7.      Additional Guidance for Employees Regarding 
Protecting Their Health 
 
-- CDC recommends that employees maintain a distance of 
six feet from someone who appears ill. 
-- Avoid crowded settings and consider the use of 
facemasks (surgical masks) when entering crowded 
settings 
 
¶8.      On-Line Resources 
 
For key facts on swine influenza, see the CDC Web site 
at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm. 
 
Additional information on swine flu and pandemic 
influenza can also be accessed through 
www.pandemicflu.gov. 
 
Employees working along the border and at ports of entry 
should closely review the guidance at 
www.cdc.gov/swineflu. 
 
Further information on the State Department's actions 
during this event can be found at: 
 
https://www.intelink.gov/wiki/Portal:Crisis_P andemic_Influenza. 
 
¶9.  MINIMIZE CONSIDERED. 
 
 
CLINTON