Cablegate: Status of H1n1 in Bermuda: Ten Cases

R 281704Z AUG 09
FM AMCONSUL HAMILTON
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 3856
INFO CDC ATLANTA GA
DEPT OF HHS WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC
DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC
AMCONSUL HAMILTON

UNCLAS HAMILTON 000092

EUR-IO/EX/PMO (P. KIEHL);
EUR/WE;
CA/OCS/ACS/WHA;
M/MED

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: APER AMGT KFLU TF BD
SUBJECT: STATUS OF H1N1 IN BERMUDA: TEN CASES

1. The government of Bermuda (GOB) continues to follow WHO
guidelines for Pandemic Alert Level Phase Six and prominently
posts H1N1 updates, facts, health tips and contact information
on its Department of Health website: www.health.gov.bm
. Bermuda's Minister of Health
stated in June that Bermuda did not expect to see many cases of
the flu until autumn. After an initial flurry of media
coverage, flu awareness is not much in the public eye. GOB
on-line information resources are extensive for a small island;
publicizing these resources will be key to prevention efforts as
the weather cools down and children return to school.

2. GOB strategy for Pandemic Flu focuses on prevention, good
hygiene, and social distancing. The GOB has stockpiled 1,500
treatment courses of Tamiflu for its population of 65,000. The
GOB has not imposed any travel or trade restrictions or
entry/exit screening, nor has it issued any travel warnings.
The GOB has not requested assistance from the USG.

3. The GOB reported the three most recently confirmed cases
on: 30 July 2009, 6 August 2009 and 21 August 2009. There are
now a total of ten (10) confirmed cases, eight (8) residents,
and two (2) visitors. There have been no secondary cases
reported. There have been no deaths. The press reported the
first confirmed case of H1N1 flu in Bermuda June 1, 2009. The
patient was a 13 year-old American visitor. The case was later
reclassified as an "American" case because the patient had come
from the U.S. This case is not included within the 10 confirmed
cases for the island.

4. Posts POC is Econ/Commercial Assistant Kathy Highe, phone
(441) 295-1342 x 221, e-mail: HigheKE@state.gov . Bermuda
Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer is Dr. John Cann,
phone: (441) 278-4921 or e-mail: jwcann@gov.bm .

SHELTON

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