Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

[Gert van der Hoek]

Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

Saturday, July 4, 2009


Buenos Aires .- Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by the strong expansion of influenza A, with suspension of all activities and the decision of some towns to remain "closed" by the disease, which has already caused 55 deaths, according to the Government.

At least twenty districts of the province of Buenos Aires, the largest in the country and the most affected by the disease, has canceled its cultural, sporting and officers to prevent the spread of new influenza among its competitors.

In these towns, bars, lounges and dance parties, swimming, gyms, local internet, bingo halls, cinemas, theaters, museums, shopping malls and many shops on Saturday morning with the blinds lowered to combat the disease progression, the number of infected could reach 100,000, as he admitted yesterday the Health Minister, Juan Manzur.

"It created a crazy climate . Municipalities compete with each other, as if the closing were the best places," said a doctor specializing in infections Hector Laplum?.

His colleague Robert Debagg found today that "the curve of the pandemic will be at its peak in about two weeks," so that "everyone must be alert and maintain the care," although the virus can affect especially "the adults" in the following days as the disease among children was falling. "

The suspension of activities, which are played every minute as far as popular events such as XX edition of the Feria del Libro Infantil y Juvenil de Buenos Aires, the organizers decided to "obey the government council" to avoid the crowds of people.

Some municipalities such as Buenos Aires Luj?n even said mandatory use of chinstrap (mask) in all churches and worship centers which exercises ", while in other districts of the country were suspended masses, and other public activities.

The closure of local joins the advancement of the fair (holiday period) and the judicial suspension of classes for about a month in various provinces of the country, including Buenos Aires, to prevent further international spread of the virus.

http://www.primerahora.com/diario/n...cada_vez_mas_paralizada_por_la_gripe_a/314026

 

[FrenchieGirl]

Re: Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

[More of the above article]

... snip ...

"Yesterday I went to the supermarket and I was amazed the attack of people, many store bought supplies," said the local press M?nica Mart?nez, 43 years, to comment on the concern generated by the influenza A in Argentina, which in recent days left in large numbers to buy masks and alcohol gel, as indicated by the suppliers of those products.

For its part, Manzur denied today that figures have been hidden by the virus H1N1 patients, as reported organizations and sectors of the opposition, and said it was raised to 55 the number of deaths from influenza A, although NGOs claim that there are at least double "of the deceased.

"We worked on the data of laboratory-confirmed patients," said Manzur to justify the strong change of numbers of patients who registered Argentina after the legislative elections last Sunday, in which the ruling party was defeated.

On Friday, June 26, two days before the elections, the Argentine Ministry of Health reported that 1.587 was affected by the H1N1 virus, but Graciela Oca?a resigned Monday as head of portfolio and instead took Manzur, who yesterday admitted The number of infected in the country could reach 100,000.

The minister, however, denied that during the administration of his predecessor have been manipulated figures and also denied having been reprimanded by the president argentina, Cristina Fernandez, to say that "there are approximately 100,000 records of the disease.

Fernandez called on Friday to a "responsibility" and "prudence" and expressed unease at the spread of the figures provided by Manzur.

"No, at least, she asked to specify and clarify what we were talking," said the minister.

The chair reassigned yesterday 1.000 billion pesos (263 million U.S. dollars) budget for the sector in much of the field, to stop the disease.

According to local media, the former minister Oca?a had recommended two weeks ago the president declared health emergency.

 

[gsgs]

Re: Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

still no sequences from Argentine.
The country with the most severe outbreak has the fewest sequences.
Coincidence ? Or do they have reason to hide something ?

Remember, sequences from Mexico were also kept secret for some weeks (-6.May)
until it turned out that the outbreak weakened and cases were declining

 

[FrenchieGirl]

Re: Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

bureaucracy, red tape, disorder starting at all levels, are probably contributing factors

 

[the doctor]

Re: Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

His colleague Robert Debagg found today that "the curve of the pandemic will be at its peak in about two weeks," so that "everyone must be alert and maintain the care," although the virus can affect especially "the adults" in the following days as the disease among children was falling. "

It is very unlikely that the Argentine pandemic will peak in two weeks. However, we can hope.

GW

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Argentina is increasingly paralyzed by influenza A

Chileans are also expecting a peak in 2 weeks...I have my doubts but am hoping I am wrong.