2009 Press Releases
U.S. Military Delivers Protective Kits for H1N1 First Responders in Belize (May 14, 2009)
On May 9, the U.S. Southern Command delivered 5,100 personal protective equipment kits to the Ministry of Health in response to the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus in Mexico.
With the threat of the influenza A/H1N1 virus raising concerns in the region, the United States worked in consultation with local government officials to identify countries in need of pandemic influenza preparedness supplies. U.S. Southern Command, headquartered in Miami, directed the Air Force mission as a critical component of the U.S. Government's international pandemic influenza preparedness efforts.
These kits will be delivered to first responders in Belize for inspection of individuals who display flu-like symptoms. Each personal protection kit includes disposable respirators capable of screening 95 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns; safety goggles; disposable overalls, gloves, shoe covers, and aprons; as well as infectious waste bags with biohazard symbols.
The U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster delivered 30,000 kits to six Central American and Caribbean countries including Belize. Body Text