VZCZCXRO7297
PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHLU #0549/01 2451935
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 021935Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY LUANDA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5679
INFO RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA GA PRIORITY
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LUANDA 000549
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR AF/S, DS/IP/AF, CA/OCS, M/MED AND DS/DSS/OSAC,
PRETORIA FOR HQ REGION SIX, MCESG; CDC FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA
PROGRAM
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT AMED CASC TBIO KFLU KSAF KSEO KPAO AO
SUBJECT: PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA: EAC REVIEWS TRIPWIRES AND
PREPAREDNESS
REF: LUANDA 546
1. (SBU) A/DCM convened Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on
September 2, 2009 to review information from the previous day
confirming Angola's first cases of Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
(Ref A). The EAC reviewed relevant tripwires and mission
preparedness. The following sections and agencies were
represented: POL, CDC, CONS, USAID, MGT, USDAO, GSO, CLO and
RSO.
2. (SBU) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
deputy country director provided a briefing on the overall
situation concerning the outbreak. The Angolan Health
Ministry continues to work in conjunction with CDC and WHO to
monitor the situation and has undertaken an active influenza
surveillance program. The Angolan Government has not yet
disclosed publicly that the confirmed Influenza A cases are
confirmed Pandemic H1N1-2009 Influenza.
3. (SBU) A/DCM led a review of the Department-approved
Pandemic H1N1 Influenza tripwires, as contained in our
emergency action plan (EAP). Based on the information
available, the EAC was in agreement that it is premature to
conclude that we have crossed Pandemic Influenza Tripwire
Three, since transmission of the influenza has not reached
"significant" or "efficient and sustained" levels. The EAC
was unanimous in its assessment that Angola remains at
Influenza Tripwire two. The EAC then concurred to recommend
to the Ambassador that the following measures, initiated
after Influenza Tripwire Two in April 2009, be reviewed and
repeated, as appropriate:
-- A warden message will be drafted, cleared with the
Department, and disseminated to American Citizens in Angola.
(Action:CDC and CONS)
-- Both schools attended by American children (LIS and
ESCOLA) will be consulted regarding health and safety
procedures. (Action: CLO)
-- An OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) meeting was
recently held on August 27, 2009, at which time USG pandemic
guidance and information were discussed. RSO will keep OSAC
channels open to disseminate further information, as
warranted. (Action: RSO)
-- Post telephone cascade emergency notification system will
be tested and any gaps or shortcomings addressed immediately.
(Action:RSO and MGT)
-- Post radio network will continue to be tested weekly per
standard operating procedure. Alternative systems, including
satphones and HF radio, will also be checked for operability
and redundancy. (Action: IMO and DAO)
-- Local guard mobile patrols will be on call as a backup in
the event of failure of primary and alternative internal
communications systems. (Action: RSO)
-- Section/agency heads will confirm that classified document
holdings are being maintained at minimum levels, and that
their USDH drawdown staffing lists as reflected in the EAP
are up to date.
(Action: ALL)
-- Existing contracts for critical services, i.e. water
delivery and local guard program, will be reviewed for
adequacy; extra water will be delivered to residences and
facilities, as deemed appropriate.
(Action: MGT and GSO)
-- Local health care resources, health risks, and public
health and sanitation conditions will continue to be
reviewed; liaison will be maintained with GRA authorities on
contingency medical and mortuary preparedness and
capabilities. (Action: CONS)
-- EAC will monitor U.S. Government outbreak, containment and
contingency planning currently underway in South Africa,
which has larger numbers of confirmed cases of Pandemic H1N1
Influenza, incorporating relevant planning strategies into
Post's own preparation efforts. (Action A/DCM)
3. (SBU) RSO confirms that all elements of the Mission
Security Force (Marines, Surveillance Detection Unit, and
Local Guards) continue to be adequately staffed and that host
LUANDA 00000549 002 OF 002
country police support for the security of the U.S. mission
continues to be strong. RSO also confirms that all security
standards and measures pertaining to post's established
threat levels remain in place.
4. The Ambassador accepted all EAC recommendations, as cited
above.
5. (U) Point of contact for this message is RSO Jason H.
Smith, telephone 244 22 264-1112, or email:
smithjh2@state.sgov.gov
MOZENA