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Spanish to Eng. Translation
There are new cases of H1N1 on the island
Thursday, February 10, 2011
12:26 p.m.
Primera Hora
The Department of Health confirmed six positive cases of influenza A H1N1 virus by the end of January and two deaths that could be associated with this disease.
According to the Minister of Health, Lorenzo Gonz?lez Feliciano, the department evaluates the records of two men who died between the ages of 40 to 55 years, and who have a history of chronic diseases.
Against this background, Feliciano Gonzalez emphasized that "the best way to prevent the spread of Influenza A H1N1, and H3N2 Influenza A and Influenza B (which predominate in Puerto Rico for this season) is by vaccination which includes protection against all three Influenza types. "
The cases of Influenza A H1N1 have occurred in the municipalities of Naguabo, Guaynabo, Vega Baja, Toa Alta, Vega Alta and Aibonito and ages range between seven and 54 years.
On 12 January the Secretary of Health had publicly warned about the outbreak of Influenza A H1N1 in Britain and the possibility that similar situation could be replicated on the Island
At that time, Gonzalez Feliciano urged to stay alert to avoid new cases in Puerto Rico and again having to deal with patients who acquire the disease, either on Puerto Rican soil or abroad.
"We appeal again to the population over 6 months old and caregivers of infants to get vaccinated.
We want to prevent the virus from spreading again on the island also urge the people working specifically with tourists either Puerto Rico or who come from abroad, to go over the symptoms associated with the virus that claimed over 50 lives in 2009 "he said in writing.
The latest report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC, for its acronym in English) for the period ending Jan. 29 shows that in Puerto Rico, like the Virgin Islands and 4 states reported sporadic influenza activity, while found 30 states with widespread activity, 15 with regional business activity and 2 local jurisdictions.
Symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 are similar to those of seasonal influenza and include fever, cough and / or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache and / or body aches, chills and fatigue.
The executive also issued the following recommendations if you travel internationally or other U.S. jurisdictions:
Use "hand sanitizer" based on alcohol.
Avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick, stay away from others to protect and avoid getting sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Frequently clean surfaces, toys and items that are used daily.
Use an approved disinfectant against bacteria and viruses. Chlorine can be mixed with water.
Currently, the Department of Health has seasonal influenza vaccines. The Department Immunization Program staff trained PAS Line (1-800-981-0023) that operates 7 days, 24 hours to guide the public on where to be vaccinated.
To schedule a vaccination in their community, school, institution, may call 787-671-3133 with Ms. Nuria Soto.
They may also refer to the Immunization Program at 787-765-2929 extensions 3337 and 3338.