Argentina: Strengthen the health system for consultation on influenza A

June 26, 2009

New health measures

There will be trailers and a tent at Children's Hospital. Medical practitioners and health centers also conditioned on the periphery. Ambulances will have to move only suspected cases.

The Ministry of Health of San Juan decided to reinforce the measures of care in health centers to the high demand for consultations which generates Pandemic Influenza A affecting the country. First, Dr. Frida CAPat, head of Division of Epidemiology indicated that the confirmed cases are in San Juan and three suspected cases that reached the number 45.

Among the new measures include: installation of two trailers and a medical tent in a large sector of the Hospital Juan Carlos Navarro for consultations concerning respiratory diseases. In addition, it hired four professionals to meet the medical consultations promptly. "Over the weekend, the attendance of persons has been relentless for that reason we decided to prepare other medical centers to isolate suspected patients.

Also each health zone will have only one ambulance for the transfer of patients will have a driver and guard passively available to work anytime, "said Dr. CAPat. Health authorities continue to assess the conditions of the peripheral health centers to determine whether buildings are able to isolate people from becoming suspicious cases. From Health indicate that one reason for the high consultation in Children's Hospital which is near the bus terminal.

It is important that the community knows that a case is suspected when a person has flu symptoms and there is an epidemiological link is, who has been in contact with a person who is ill.

Are not suspended

Minister of Education reported that Cristina Diaz takes a comprehensive monitoring of rates of absenteeism in schools due to flu. "There are schools where absenteeism is between 20% and 40%. We continue this situation closely, "said the official.

Furthermore, from the Ministry of Education rejected the possibility of advancing winter. "We asked the directors to be vigilant and not panic," said Diaz.