Published Date: 2013-06-11 02:30:40
Subject: PRO/EDR> Influenza (34): Bolivia (LP) RFI
Archive Number: 20130611.1765674
INFLUENZA (34): BOLIVIA (LA PAZ) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
********************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Sun 9 Jun 2013
Source: Prensa Latina [edited]
http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1497071&Itemid=1
A 19 year old girl and an elderly woman of 64 died as a result of infection by H3N2 influenza virus, according to the Regional Health Service. According to the report of the institution, which declared a health emergency in the city of El Alto [La Paz Department], where the deaths occurred, these are the 1st 2 confirmed cases of influenza.
It also announced that an alert had been declared in the city to prevent spread of infection, since another patient with similar symptoms was under investigation.
In response to the emergency, the health authorities have ordered a supply of medicines and medical equipment to fight the disease, as well as safety measures and prevention in hospitals.
The H3N2 influenza virus has been spreading through South America for months, although Bolivia had not reported any cases previously. In the city of Arequipa [Arequipa Region], in neighboring Peru, at least 12 patients were recorded this week.
—
communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteur Kunihiko Iizuka
Leave a Reply