Baby death said not zika related as cases reach 149

WHILE ANNOUNCING  the increase of Zica virus cases in Panama to 149, Panama’s Health Ministry  has  reversed a diagnosis that said the virus was the cause of death of a newborn

The baby  who  died in the intensive care unit of the Hospital de Nino, was born with multiple birth defects, but none of them was related to the virus said  Minister of Health Francisco Javier Terrientes on Monday, March 21.

.Health authorities said last Friday that the newborn had tested positive for the virus, but changed  that diagnosis Monday.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 15 new cases of the virus, bringing the total number to 149.

The  new cases have been reported in five areas, Guna Yala, Panama, Western Panama, Northern Panama and San Miguelito.

Two of the new cases  are from San Miguelito, where there were no previous diagnoses.

San Miguelito Health Director Juan Biberach said that they are working on the containment of the virus.