Caribbean
Health News as of
|
Suriname H1N1 flu cases surpass 100
|
| Published on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 | Email To Friend Print Version
|
By Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com
PARAMARIBO, Suriname -- Health authorities in Suriname have reported a second swine flu-related death, while the number of patients suffering from the influenza AH1N1-virus reached 106. The ministry of Public Health in a press release disclosed on Monday that a number of test results were received from the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Trinidad and Tobago, of which 7 tested positively for the disease.
Including test results from the past four weeks the number of infected patients increased to 106. However all the patients have already recovered. Since the swine-flu virus were discovered in may this year two people succumbed to complications related to the infection, said the Health ministry.
According to the ministry “the latest death is a female who was hospitalized with a serious heart condition”. The ministry of Health further reports that currently no patients with flu-like symptoms are being treated in the intensive care unit of the Academic Hospital. Meanwhile three adults and one child who contracted the virus were being treated last week in several other hospitals.
Since the number of patients with flu-like symptoms who are being treated in hospitals around the country or seeking treatment at health clinics are dropping, the authorities claim that the first wave of the virus is over its peak. On a daily basis currently around two people are seeking treatment for flu infections. “This definitely indicates that the first wave of the Mexican flu in Suriname has reached its peak. However, the ministry of Health, once again insist that we remain vigilant,” said the statement.
This development have led the authorities to close the emergency clinic at the Academic Hospital and patients are being advised to seek treatment at their family doctor or in case of a serious situation to report at the Emergency Unit of the Academic Hospital. In accordance with guide lines of the World Health Organization (WHO) all patients with flu-like symptoms who consult a doctor are tested for swine flu.
Meanwhile, the government is finalizing plans to launch a massive campaign to vaccinate vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, patients with serious health issues and diabetics against the common flu. | | | | Reads : 928 | | | |
|
|
Click here for Health News archives prior to February 16, 2007...
|
