Archive for July 21st, 2009
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
The virus is spread through human to human contact, no swine need be touched, as its name suggests. The best way to avoid contracting the virus is through prevention. Here are some of the most effective:
1. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, frequently throughout the day.
2. When water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough.
4. If you do come into contact with a sufferer, limit your exposure.
5. Increasing vitamin C intake has proven effective against colds and the flu.
6. To maintain a healthy immune system, eat a healthy, balanced diet and get a good night’s sleep.
7. If you have children, stress hand washing and covering their noses and mouths when they sneeze or cough.
8. Routinely disinfect counters and surfaces at home and at work.
9. If you experience any flu symptoms, stay home and do not go to work.
10. If you experience any flu symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
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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Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
The vehicular restrictions of San Jose are back as of 6am this morning and with a vengeance, as the Policia de Transito (traffic police) are out in full force this morning to fine drivers who violate the restrictions with begins with vehicles with their license plates ending in 3 and 4.
German Marin, the director of the Policia de Transito, said this morning in a live television interview that there was a noticeable difference in the number of vehicles on the roads this morning, as compared to yesterday and the past five weeks since the restrictions were in limbo.
On June 12, the Constitutional Court struck down the vehicular restrictions of San Jose, a decision based on an appeal filed by the former director of the Judicial Police.
Since, the ministerio de Obras Publico y Transportes (MOPT) had been working on drafting a new decree to re-implement the restrictions, such was published Monday in the official government publication, La Gaceta and takes effect today. (more…)
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
Talks to resolve the coup crisis in Honduras collapsed yesterday after the de facto government refused a mediator’s proposal to reinstate ousted President Manuel Zelaya.
The failure of negotiations under the direction of Costa Rican President Oscar Arias dashed the most promising diplomatic effort aimed at ending the crisis and raised the specter of more violence.
“What is the alternative to dialogue?” Arias said in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose. “Possibly . . . there could be a civil war, or bloodshed, that the Honduran people do not deserve.”
Zelaya, toppled in a military coup June 28 and deported from Honduras, has threatened to force his way back to his country, with or without a political agreement.
Carlos Lopez, representing the de facto Honduran government as foreign minister, said the brief reinstatement of Zelaya – the first of seven points proposed by Arias – would not fly. (more…)
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