Tests underway to check if flu death is H1N1
The Gorgas Institute in Panama is carrying out tests to see if the flu virus that killed a 9 year old boy in Chiriqui on Sunday is the H1N1 variety that caused fears of a pandemic last year and led to the stockpiling of millions of shots of a vaccine across the world.
The boy died the critical care ward of a hospital , in David
In Panama, as a seasonal flu epidemic sweeps the country, health centers have been working through weekends administering vaccinations. In June over 38,000 people received vaccinations and the campaign has been in full swing in July…
Some clinics are reporting staffing problems as health workers succumb to the flu.
Health authorities have issued warnings that people with flu symptoms should not self medicate but should seek medical advice. Although ER facilities in many hospitals have been overwhelmed. Leading in one case to the closing of the unit.