VZCZCXRO2435
RR RUEHIK
DE RUEHLI #0558 3011253
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 281253Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7941
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEHPD/AMCONSUL PONTA DELGADA 0634
RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHDC
UNCLAS LISBON 000558
SIPDIS
HHS FOR CDC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC AMED KFLU ETRD EAGR ECON EC PGOV PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL H1N1 UPDATE - OCT 27
REF: LISBON 528
LISBON 509
1. Between October 12 and October 18 Portugal diagnosed 3,044 new
cases with flu symptoms. Fifteen patients remain hospitalized,
including two in intensive care. Portugal has had four confirmed
H1N1 fatalities to date.
2. The third fatality was a 53-year-old male who died from bilateral
pneumonia and had no previous illness. The fourth fatality was a
32-year-old female that had recently given birth through a c-section
to save the newborn's life. She died with viral pneumonia,
respiratory failure and required assisted ventilation.
3. Health officials issued further information regarding the H1N1
vaccination plan. The goal is to vaccinate more than 3 million
people, representing approximately 30 percent of the population.
Groups will be vaccinated in stages, with highest priority given to
those deemed most vulnerable due to increased risk of developing
complications or a higher likelihood of acquiring infection. Health
care workers and essential workers in key industries will also be
given high priority. High-priority persons are required to submit a
doctor's written verification of their priority status.
4. The first vaccines were administered on October 26. Health
Minister Jorge said it will take about a month for the initial
54,000 doses to be administered.