Early Year Flu Outbreak Surprises CCSS
The scenario that has health authorities in this country very discouraged – the spread of flu is increasing.
Costa Rica is waiting for PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) to get 313,000 vaccines against influenza viruses, this means that the doses are set to arrive within several weeks.
A few days ago, authorities recognized the lack of immunizations in the public sector and carelessness of the population have encouraged the outbreak of the AH3N2 flu or seasonal and H1N1 and other viruses.
So far this year 419 people have been hospitalized for respiratory illness, 38 of them in intensive care units.
In total, there are five deaths from influenza, according to data from the Social Security Fund (CCSS).
As explained by Guiselle Guzman, head of the Department of Public Health of the Fund, the vaccine should get here early January. Last year the vaccination started on day 10 of that month.
Both health institutions, the Ministry of Health and in the CAJA( this is Costa Rican Institute for health) have issued recommendations to the public to prevent the outbreak of influenzas that are out of hand by the return of thousands of children to schools.
The CAJA announced an alliance with Red Dot to provide soap and other supplies to hundreds of schools. They also reactivated the program “CleanHandyman.”
The Ministry of Health requested to avoid greetings with a kiss or handshake, as recommended when the H1N1 flu was considered a pandemic.
The Fund expects later this month 23,000 children and 290,000 immunizations for older adults and people with risk factors.
At the time of entering the country the health officials will have quality control, which will also take several days. The vaccines will be given in the public sector through private pharmacies only.
Short URL: http://www.costaricanewssite.com/?p=6176
Posted by Joyce Gomez
on Feb 9 2012. Filed under News.
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