Nine total deaths by H1N1 in Uruguay

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The Ministry of Public Health reported that nine cases of influenza A H1N1 deaths from January to date, five of them registered within the period of resurgence of the disease.



The minister said this afternoon Jorge Venegas after the meeting of the Social Cabinet is being done constantly monitors the situation in our country and the region simultaneously. He noted that the reported cases are scoped within the "expected levels". Venegas also specifies that so far registered 2248 cases of acute respiratory infections. Most of them babies from 0 to 1 years and adults over 65 years. Of the total number of people affected, 1,201 men and 1,047 correspond to mujeres.Venegas stressed that risk groups are immunocompromised, diabetic, morbidly obese, pregnant, under 1 year and older adults.

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Nine killed by H1N1 and 2248 acute

http://www.elpais.com.uy/110809/pnacio-585390/nacional/nueve-muertos-por-h1n1-y-2-248-infecciones-agudas/

Spanish to English translation

Nine killed by H1N1 and 2248 acute
Virus Circulates in 2011 for inadequate vaccination

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PAULA BARQUET

The MSP has nine deaths from influenza A and 2,000 cases of acute respiratory infections. Officially continue to maintain that it is normal for the time, but other voices warn of hidden deaths, underdiagnosis and unpredictability.

The H1N1 virus, or influenza A, which in 2009 caused a pandemic in 2010 seemed to disappear, it takes at least nine deaths so far this year and dozens of cases. Acute respiratory infections amount to 2248 and, although the H1N1 is not the only culprit, takes much of the responsibility.

Not that this year the virus is more aggressive, say the experts. If in 2010 the deaths were practically nil was circulated for less, and this is explained by two things: an increase of immunity in those who had influenza in 2009, and a higher percentage of people vaccinated.

This winter they are seeing the consequences of relativism about the importance of the vaccine. Only 25% of people in risk groups are vaccinated. And according to sources consulted by El Pais, had advised against vaccinating doctors.

They further maintain that there was "improvident," because when the virus began circulating in the first week of July, it recalled the hygiene measures and steps to follow in case of flu. According to sources, the MSP knew what was coming but chose to "avoid the alarm."

Health Minister, Jorge Venegas, yesterday announced the official figures, during the Social Cabinet. Venegas said there were five deaths and influenza A, but nine. He said that "although the epidemic of influenza is a gradual increase, remain at expected levels."

However, hospital officials assured the country that there is a misdiagnosis of the virus. Unofficially known deaths that have not been mentioned in official figures, and that cases are "many more". The sources explained that the diagnostic test is not performed when a patient consults with a panel of five days or more because "positivity decreases." They said also that samples have been lost after a strike in the central laboratory.

RISK. Since 1 January 2248 there were cases of acute respiratory infections. Most cases are concentrated in less than one year (680 cases) and over 65 (463). Other 252 cases occurred in children between two and five years, and 121 were in children five to nine years.

Differentiated by gender, cases of acute respiratory infections show greater homogeneity, with 1201 men and 1,047 women.

The infectious Homero Bagnulo told El Pais that in addition to H1N1 viruses are circulating and causing infections. Mentioned syncytial virus, common in children as well as parainfluenza and adenovirus, among others. According Bagnulo, the severity of H1N1 is that "attacks to more young people, pregnant twice and attacks obesity, did not know we were at-risk population to the appearance of this virus." That fit with the information provided yesterday by Venegas, noting that five of the dead were morbidly obese. Besides them, the virus has increased risk in immunosuppressed, diabetics, elderly, pregnant women, health workers and those working outdoors.

Moreover, Bagnulo said that compared to other viruses, the H1N1 "has great affinity with the respiratory system." In this sense, explained that pneumonitis is the most common cause of death from influenza, especially in patients who have another illness. "The worst is if you catch any respiratory virus and pneumococcus. Coinfection generates a more severe pneumonia," said infectious disease.

The virus can also cause encephalitis (central nervous system involvement, frequent in children) or myocardial involvement, and present a picture banal.

"The child is the great disseminator of the virus, because more coughs, spits again, more runny and rise in arms. Infects more and have more viral load," said Bagnulo, who insisted that to protect the population, especially the elderly, need to "vaccinate their grandchildren."

Venegas said that the ministry made a "constant monitoring" by three methodologies: active surveillance of severe acute infections, emergency phones and sentinel surveillance on influenza cases. This monitoring also integrates the vision of what happens in the region.

Infections: 40% more than in 2010
The mobile emergency statistics are reasons for consulting their users. This winter, according to El Pais the manager of Mobile Coronary Care Unit, Jorge Diaz, between 38 and 42% of acute respiratory infections in 2010. That includes both high and low infection (congestion), and the flu.

Emergency managers have agreed to aim a pattern repeated in most of the calls: those affected by respiratory infections are located in the extremes of age: children and seniors. They are the ones who suffer the effects of cold, and the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has warned that these populations are "particularly vulnerable".

If you have symptoms of flu are advised not to leave home, stay in bed and see a doctor.

The infectious Homero Bagnulo told El Pais that during the 2009 pandemic showed that the drug Tamiflu, used and administered either "immediately" in the diagnosis of the presence of H1N1 virus reaches "high effectiveness."

He advises washing hands and ventilate closed spaces.