AH1N1 Could
Kill 140 In Costa Rica, Ministra De Salud
Warns
The ministra de Salud, María Luisa Ávila,
yesterday confirmed the death of a 39 year
old man who suffered from asthma and
hypertension, person number 12 to die from
the AH1N1 flu virus, and expressed concern
that the death toll could be as high as 140.
"That figure is based on what is happening
in México during the last three months",
said ministra Ávila, who added that her
officials are updating the figures that
could be available by the end of the week.
The ministra said the number would represent
the number of expected fatalities during the
first year of the virus.
Ávila explained that the latest victim was
in intensive care at a downtown San Jose
hospital and so far 11 of the 12 deaths are
associated with people in the high risk
group: obese, hypertense, smokers and
diabetics.
The ministra also confirmed that they are
waiting on test results of the death of an
infant in a hospital in the provinces, which
could be the first infant victim.
"She was admitted to hospital and died in
the emergency room", explained Ávila, not
providing details of when the death
occurred, saying only that the infant was
brought to hospital after displaying a
number of the symptoms during the week,
according to the mother.
As such the Caja Costarricense de Seguro
Social (CCSS), is asking all parents to take
measures to reduce the infection of their
infants by ensuring that they are vaccinate,
avoid infants not to be picked up by anyone,
continue breast feeding, and maintain a
balanced nutrition.
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