H1N1 forces temporary closure of Chetumal schools
The State of Quintana Roo has not yet reported any new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu since the first outbreak. But lately a number of persons have reported swine flu like symptoms. While the results of tests are still not known, the threat of a pandemic has prompted the health authorities in Quintana Roo to spring into action. News Five travelled to Chetumal today to find what’s happening. Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali
“Although there have been no new cases of H1N1 since March of this year, there have been one hundred and fifty three new suspected cases in the Quintana Roo area. And because students have come down with the flu-like symptoms, schools such as Comodoro Manuel Azueta have closed their doors for the remainder of this week.”
Dr. Rafael Alpuche, Deputy Secretary of Health, Quintana Roo
“Last week, surveillance started on this state. We noted that there were new suspected cases in students. And as a result we decided to review epidemic conditions and to work closely with the health authorities in the state. Actually, there we only saw the necessity to suggest the closure of three schools and a class was sent home. We only detected symptoms of the virus in three groups in the week alone.”
Dr. Rafael Alpuche is the Deputy Secretary of Health in the State of Quintana Roo. He says that while three schools have been closed, eleven others remain open but under close monitoring for anyone showing flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Rafael Alpuche
“Actually, in the state of Quintana Roo, we have seventy-one confirmed cases in the Influenza A (H1N1) since we were alerted in Mexico, since the eighteenth of March.”
However, while the trend is steadily going upward, Dr. Alpuche says the situation is under control and that Belizeans entering the State of Quintana Roo need not worry.
Dr. Rafael Alpuche
“It is safe, we don’t have any problems. You can come to Chetumal. As long as it has we have practice the necessary precautionary measures, there is no problem. You can travel to Mexico and here at Quintana Roo.”
Until the tests of the new suspected cases are in, News Five has learnt that at least seven people with severe H1N1 symptoms have been admitted to hospitals and clinics and are being treated under quarantine. Meanwhile, the medical staff at these institutions are required to again wear their protective gear on the job. Reporting for News Five, Marion Ali.
