Countrywide health alert after first case of H1N1

Panama’s hospitals and health centers have been ordered to activate surveillance systems after the first confirmed case of  swine flu (H1N1) this rainy season.

The announcement comes from the Ministry of Health (MoH)  and covers all regions of the country.

 Jorge Hassan,  Metropolitan Health Director , said the department will be promoting prevention measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The  recommendations include : covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, washing your hands often and avoid self-medication if you have flu symptoms.
The first diagnosed case  was a child of  two years and nine months  who  is out of  danger.