Viernes, 24 de Abril de 2009
The World Health Organization expressed concern at the outbreak of the virus in the country this Friday the government suspended classes at all levels in the City and the state of Mexico.
GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday expressed its concern about a swine flu outbreak confirmed in United States and has already generated about 800 human cases of influenza in Mexico, including 60 deaths, a figure higher than reported by national authorities.
The UN agency said it has activated its Center for Strategic Health Operations (SHOC by its initials in English)-its command and control center for acute public health problems but did not indicate whether it was considering issuing an advisory to travelers.
The Mexican government announced Thursday night the suspension of classes for millions of students before an outbreak of influenza that has killed 20 people in recent weeks.
The Health Ministry said that the major outbreak has been detected in Mexico City, which so far has identified 79 probable cases, although this figure has increased in recent days.
"The Health Department recommends avoiding crowded places or events where mass is not strictly necessary," said the head of the agency, Jose Angel Cordova, in a press conference.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention United States said the virus is a combination not seen before virus common among pigs, poultry and humans.
The spokesman for the WHO, Fadela Chaib said that Mexican authorities had recorded an unusual activity on the end of flu season in late March and early April.
"To date there have been about 800 cases of an illness similar to influenza, with 57 deaths in the area of Mexico City," he added.
"Similar cases have been found since then in San Luis Potosi in central Mexico. The number of suspected cases and 3 deaths is 24," said the spokesman in contact with the press.
Symptoms
The Health Ministry said that this flu is curable, but urged the public to deal with any trouble with the doctors and avoid greeting kiss and hand and not go to crowded places highly. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Sudden fever of 39 degrees or more
- Headaches, muscular and articular
- Red eyes, nasal discharge and dry cough
- Weakness
hat-tip Shiloh
1 comment:
Here in Mexico City there is widespread concern but no panic. A few people are wearing masks on the street. Everyone has been told to avoid crowded places, and to wash hands frequently. Particularly worrisome, however, is the situation of Mexico's poor, many of whom are unable to avoid crowded conditions in transit to work or at home. Moreover, some of the city's poorest residents lack access to running water. The living conditions of Mexico's poorest citizens are both unjust and a threat to the public health.
Post a Comment