Guatemala: dengue fever

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Source: http://www.elperiodico.com.gt/es/20090807/pais/109696/

Eight killed by dengue hemorrhagic fever in Izabal

Celso Cerezo, owner of the portfolio, compared to two deputies testified that he questioned the actions taken by the Ministry in the area.

By: Susana Portillo G.


Health Minister Celso Cerezo was quoted by Mr Byron Chac?n and Mario Jorge Barrios failed to deal with cases of hemorrhagic dengue in the department of Izabal. The leader of the portfolio did not stay on top of the item.

Until yesterday there were eight people died from the disease.

Carlos de Leon, general medical hospital of Izabal, said that it was a serious outbreak. According to De Leon, in the center receives an average of 6 days to patients with symptoms of dengue. "During my 22 years working in health, had not seen something similar," he concluded.

Elisa Martinez Children's Hospital, located in Puerto Barrios, 182 patients yesterday. Mario Ant?n, doctor of the unit, said that there is more space for patients.

Anton said that if necessary use the area allotted to four months ago contracted influenza A H1N1, which has space for ten patients.

The report that Congress came to personnel and supplies needed. Members read the list of needs ranging from nurses to more appropriate infrastructure. The hospital did not have adequate ventilation to the contagion.

"We are worried and upset because until now, being sent to the Deputy Minister to verify the status of the district," said Chacon, a representative of the department of Izabal in the Legislature.

Cerezo promised to double the staff in the sprayed area. There are currently seven people and three bombs that are in poor condition

 

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Re: Guatemala: dengue fever

Source: http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=341208&CategoryId=23558

August 12,2009
Guatemala Confirms 2 Deaths from Hemorrhagic Dengue

GUATEMALA CITY ? Guatemalan health officials on Tuesday confirmed that two people have died from hemorrhagic dengue in the Caribbean province of Izabal, where there were reports that at least eight children died from the disease in the past few weeks.

An investigation conducted last week confirmed that at least two people died from the disease in the region, the Health Ministry said.

Dengue is a serious viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that is characterized by high fever, intense headaches, muscle pain, gastro-intestinal problems and rashes.

Hemorrhagic dengue, in addition to having symptoms associated with classic dengue, like fever, headaches and joint pain, can also produce internal bleeding.

Opposition GANA party Congressman Byron Chacon, who represents Izabal, said last Thursday that eight children had died from hemorrhagic dengue and 69 other people were infected with the disease in his district.

Health Minister Celso Cerezo said, however, that two people had died and 16 others had been infected with hemorrhagic dengue, but they were all recovering.

A total of 115 cases of classic dengue have also been detected in Izabal, health officials said.

Dengue is common in Izabal, which does not have drains, allowing the mosquitoes that spread the disease to breed in standing water. EFE