VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMN #0245 1251909
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 051909Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8981

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000245 
 
SIPDIS 
 
WHA/BSC FOR MARY DASCHBACH 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC AMED CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO
PREL, PINR, AMGT, TF, UY 
SUBJECT: TFFLU01: H1N1 UPDATE #2- GOU GEARING UP; NO 
CONFIRMED CASES IN URUGUAY 
 
¶1.  Summary:  As of May 5, Uruguay has no confirmed cases of 
the H1N1 influenza.  The GOU expects test kits to diagnose 
H1N1 influenza to arrive shortly.  Surveillance of incoming 
visitors at Carrasco International Airport has been extended 
to flights from the U.S., with special emphasis on 
individuals from Texas and California.  Post has implemented 
regular meetings to monitor preparedness.  Uruguay is 
entering into its traditional flu season; many precautions 
have already been implemented by the general public.  No 
restrictions have been placed on U.S. pork.  End summary. 
 
Uruguayan Government Actions 
---------------------------- 
 
¶2.  Upon arrival, all international travelers are asked to 
fill out a health statement to register any flu-like 
symptoms.  Visitors from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. are now 
being questioned at the airport and called 10 days after 
arrival to monitor their health.  The Minister of Public 
Health is currently monitoring 445 individuals recently 
arrived from these areas.  To date, no regulation has been 
implemented to require the use of gloves and masks by airport 
workers, though companies flying to Mexico have decided to do 
so.  There are no direct flights from Mexico to Uruguay. 
 
¶3.  The GOU is holding regular inter-agency meetings to 
coordinate plans and actions.  Government action is currently 
being led by the Ministry of Public Health, though if a 
pandemic is declared in Uruguay, the National Emergency 
System (FEMA equivalent) will take charge.  The GOU has a 
National Contingency Plan for Pandemic Influenza that it will 
implement if there is an outbreak in the country.  It 
includes mandatory immediate notification of potential cases 
as well as plans for the collection, management, transport 
and shipment of virus samples.  As part of general health 
precautions, the GOU has sentinel sites that remain vigilant 
for any cases of pandemic flu or other dangerous diseases. 
The Ministry of Agriculture reported that Uruguay has no 
intention of banning pork products from any affected country, 
stating that this is against the policy of the International 
Organization for Animal Health. 
 
¶4.  According to press reports, the Pasteur Institute is in 
the process of acquiring and providing test kits to the GOU 
for use in detecting the H1N1 virus. 
 
Post Actions 
------------ 
 
¶5.  The Embassy's Pandemic Influenza Working Group (PIWG) 
updated the pandemic tripwires to respond better to the H1N1 
challenges.  PIWG designated POCs to contact key Uruguayan 
officials on a daily basis and to identify any humanitarian 
assistance needed. 
 
¶6.  Post's Health Unit has 324 doses of Tamiflu, more than 
1000 surgical masks, and more than 800 n95 masks.  Post has 
sufficient water and emergency rations on hand.  In case of 
evacuation, the list of essential staff has been drafted, and 
travel orders and travel advances for non-essential staff 
have been prepared.  CDC and WHO information is available to 
U.S. citizens via the Embassy website, and Conoffs, essential 
members of the PIWG, ensure the maintenance of the no double 
standard policy.  Embassy cleaning staff is taking extra 
precautions to sanitize high traffic areas including door 
knobs and light switches.  Hand sanitizer dispensers have 
been ordered and will be installed near the keypads at the 
entrance to each floor. 
 
Matthewman