AH1N1 Flu Virus Infections Shows Strong Decrease In The Last Several Weeks
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009The ministerio de Salud said that the first wave of the AH1N1 flu virus in Costa Rica has begun to show a decrease in the number of cases of infection. The drop is being seen in the Central Valley and the increase expected for the areas of Limón and the southern zone has been lower.
Salud officials say that the number of cases in the metropolitan ara (San José) began to drop in July, however, the drop has been the most drastic in the last several weeks.
During July, Salud officials say they were reporting some 80 new cases a week, while in the past week only 10 new cases have been reported.
Also during the month of June almost 100 people were being hospitalized, while currently there are only 13.
In Guanacaste only 26 cases of the AH1N1 flu virus were reported and health officials say that the virus does not do very well in high temperatures and drought that is common this season in Guanacaste.
For such the ministerio de Salud says it is better prepared for the second wave of the virus that is expected to hit the country by January and will slowly increase with a peak infection period expected in May.
The viceministra de Salud, Ana Morice, said that there is no sure way of telling how the virus will behave and that her officials have several theories and will be prepared for all the eventualities.
It is also hoped that all those in the high risk group will also be vaccinated by the coming of the second wave, according to the viceministra.
