There’s no H1N1 virus outbreak said the Ministry of Health

Carina Vance

The Health Ministry ruled out the possibility of an outbreak of H1N1 virus despite the growing presence of confirmed cases in the Central highlands of Ecuador. The minister, Carina Vance, indicated that it has been identified a significant growth of the virus, but it the possibility of an outbreak of the deadly flu was dismissed.

Vance said that in 2012 there were six deaths and to date 45 cases have been reported, while in the remainder of 2013, and there were three deaths and about 50 cases reported.

Of the three cases reported, it was found that one patient had renal failure, which affected their prognosis. The other two victims arrived at the health centers in an advanced stage of the disease, which hampered the ability of health services to care for them properly.

The minister explained that the provinces where there have been cases are Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Pichincha and Carchi. “It is the Central and Northern Sierra where the cases are located.” Vance recommended to the public the importance of adopting protections measures for their own health.

Recommended:
– Washing the hands regularly

– Sneezing using the elbow or handkerchief

– Do not self-medicate

– If anyone presents symptoms such as cough or fever, immediately go to the nearest health center. For they have the medicine to treat the virus.