P 050935Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4786
INFO AMEMBASSY TUNIS PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY ALGIERS PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY CAIRO PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY VALLETTA PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY ROME PRIORITY 
AMCONSUL FRANKFURT PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI

UNCLAS TRIPOLI 000366 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT AMED CASC TBIO KFLU
SUBJECT: EAC ON PREPAREDNESS FOR PANDEMIC FLU OUTBREAK 
 
REF: A. A. STATE 006306 
     ¶B. B. STATE 043249 
 
¶1.      The Emergency Action Committee (EAC) convened on April 30, 
2009, chaired by the Chief of Mission.  The following attended 
the meeting:  Deputy Chief of Mission, Regional Security Officer, 
Regional Affairs Officer, Defense Attachi, Community Liaison 
Officer, Medical Officer, Consul, Commercial Services Officer, 
Public Affairs Officer, and Political Officer.  The committee 
reviewed Department guidance (reftel A) and took stock of post's 
preparedness for a pandemic as well as the Libyan government's 
response to the H1N1 virus situation. 
 
¶2.      There are no reported cases of H1N1 influenza in Libya 
to date.  According to media reports, the Government of Libya 
convened a working group to monitor the potential pandemic 
influenza situation and the group plans to meet on a weekly 
basis. Officials at Tripoli's international airport have begun 
screening passengers.  People travelling from countries with 
confirmed cases of H1N1 are screened for elevated temperatures 
and questioned about travel and contact histories.  Post medical 
contacts report that the Government of Libya has placed an order 
for 100,000 courses of Tamiflu.  The Health Unit has a stock of 
Tamiflu and expects a supplemental shipment shortly.  Post also 
has an adequate supply of personal protective equipment.  Post 
expects H1N1 diagnostic kits in the near future.  The Embassy 
community has received information on personal hygiene and H1N1 
influenza.  Post management has confirmed the availability of 
adequate emergency supplies of food and water.  Major airlines 
serving Tripoli confirm the availability of seats with 24-48 
hours notice and ten days to charter an entire aircraft. 
 
¶3.      The consular section has received few inquiries from the 
community about H1N1.  On the EAC's recommendation, the consular 
section issued a warden message using the Department-recommended 
template (reftel B) and adding additional information about 
Libyan government actions to date.  One visa recipient 
reportedly cancelled his travel to the United States over fears 
about the illness. 
 
¶4.      The EAC continues to monitor the situation and plans to 
reconvene if the situation warrants.  In addition, EAC members 
continue to review tripwires at post and will make changes as 
necessary. 
 
CRETZ