Panama influenza death toll reaches 12

 A renewed call for the population to get a free influenza vaccination has been made by the Ministry of Health(Mnsa) As the death toll climbs to 12.

 Up to the middle of the month of May, eight deaths associated with influenza have been reported in the country, and there were another four in Chiriqui this week so the population is asked to get vaccinated.

The National Director of Health, Itza Barahona de Mosca, reported on Tuesday, June 18 that five of the deaths were in children under five years, one over 65 years and two between 25 and 65 years. The Chiriqui deaths were a 63-year-old who had not been vaccinated and three breast feeing minors.

One of the cases of death associated with influenza was not Panamanian, that is, it was imported.

Barahona de Mosca reiterated the call to the population to get vaccinated, especially children under five years of age, adults after age 60 and all those who have chronic diseases, such as bronchitis, asthma or some type of cancer.

She stressed that pregnant women should go to get vaccinated because this also protects the fetus.

On the other hand, she said that it is not yet possible to affirm that the strain of influenza that affects the country is more virulent than the previous ones.

The vaccine can be obtained both in the facilities of the Social Security Fund and those of the Ministry of Health. In addition, in the private sector it is available if you wish to pay for the service.