The Panamanian health system remains alert in order to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and reduce the effects of situations that could arise, Lourdes Moreno, National Head of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (Minsa), said Monday.
He pointed out that, in the face of the cholera outbreak in Haiti, epidemiological surveillance and preventive measures are reinforced, as are health facilities in the face of symptoms related to this disease. However, he reiterated that no case of cholera has yet been recorded in Panama.
“In Haiti there has been a cholera outbreak and Panama is attentive to try to avoid it; however, if it appears in the country, the health system is prepared to contain it », he stated.
Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by contaminated food or water that causes acute watery diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration.
He added that the population must maintain food biosecurity measures in addition to maintaining frequent hand washing, washing food before consuming it and going to a health facility if they have any diarrhea or fever to receive timely treatment.
Respiratory viruses within the endemic channel
Regarding the increase in cases of respiratory viruses in the country, he reiterated that the cases presented are within the endemic channel and what is expected; At the same time, he stressed that schools will not close their doors as happened in Costa Rica, but parents are reiterated not to send their children to schools if they show symptoms of the cold.
He also referred to the sentinel surveillance of respiratory viruses, a strategy that consists of analyzing samples from patients with respiratory symptoms in various health facilities to learn about the viruses circulating in the country.
As a result of this surveillance, the Gorgas Commemorative Institute for Health Studies has reported 629 cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus to the epidemiological surveillance system so far this year; Rhinovirus 508, Influenza A H3 N2 a total of 369, Metapneumovirus 243 Parainfluenza 175 and Adenovirus 77.
