Brazil SF - tracking (2 confirmed + 2 suspect)

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RIO DE JANEIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Two people were suspected to be infected with swine flu virus among 36 people with flu-like symptoms, Brazilian Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao said here Wednesday.

A total of 36 people from 11 states were being monitored by the local health authorities after showing some swine flu symptoms, but only two of them confirmed to the World Health Organization's criteria as suspected cases. One is from Minas Gerais state, and the other, Sao Paulo state, Temporao said.

The patients were under medical treatment, and the results of the tests will be released in 10 days.

Temporao was assured that his country was well-prepared to deal with the outbreak of swine flu.

"All the capacity and intelligence are mobilized so that we can face (the outbreak) with calmness and overcome the problem," he said.

Temporao stressed that the most important thing now was to dissipate the insecurity, fear and doubts among the public. He asked the Brazilian people to trust the health authorities.

No confirmed swine flu cases have been reported in Brazil so far.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/30/content_11287246.htm

 

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Brazil SF - tracking (2 confirmed + 2 suspect)

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Brazil's Health Ministry reported two new suspected swine flu H1N1 cases later in the day Thursday, bringing the number in the country to four.

The patients are interned at hospitals in Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo states. Further details about the patients, such as whether they were traveling in Mexico where the outbreak began, were not released.

The government also raised its number of patients being monitored for some flu-like symptoms to 42 from 36 on Wednesday. The four that have exhibited numerous symptoms of the H1N1 flu are part of the list.

On Wednesday, Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao, said the government had the infrastructure and the proper medication to deal with the virus, should cases be confirmed and the number increase in the days ahead.

"We are going to rigorously follow what the World Health Organization recommends countries do as this pandemic spreads," Temporao said.

Around 12 people have died of H1N1 influenza in Mexico out of 260 believed to be sick with the flu, which is being spread person-to-person.

Brazil will receive diagnostic kits from the Pan American Health Organization starting Friday. The kit includes diagnostic materials needed to confirm cases of swine flu in humans.

-By Kenneth Rapoza, Dow Jones Newswires, 5511-2847-4541, kenneth.rapoza@ d
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-ma...two-more-suspected-swine-flu-cases-government