Bolivia: H1N1 Deaths Update

Previously reported on here.

6 de julio de 2012

Confirmed cases of influenza A H1N1 in Bolivia totaling 935 and the death toll rises to 13, which are mainly concentrated in the Andean region because of the winter season, according to a report Friday from the Ministry of Health.

Of the confirmed cases of influenza, 630 correspond to the department of La Paz, 173 Santa Cruz (East), 64 to Oruro (southwest) and 37 to Cochabamba (center) says the last part of the Ministry of Health epidemiological, which AFP had access.

However, the authorities stated that the 13 deaths are related to patients who had underlying chronic diseases.

The authorities responsible for public health said that the situation in the country is under control, there is no risk of epidemic, and that the multiplication of cases is directly related to the winter season, usually harsher in the Altiplano.

The departments of La Paz and Oruro declared "health alert" to intensify preventive measures, said Johnny Rada, national chief of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health.

Given the increasing cases of influenza were instructed widespread vaccination, since already fulfilled "the goal of vaccinating risk groups (children under 2 years and 65 years)", announced Minister of reporters health, Juan Carlos Calvimonte.

The national head of epidemiology, said the situation "is substantially different from 2009," when there were "753 confirmed cases and 59 deaths caused directly by the virus, showing a reduction in the fatality rate from that year."