QCOSTARICA – Authorities of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) – Costa Rican Social Security – confirmed Tuesday the death this month of seven people from the AH1N1 virus.
The deaths occurred in the hospital in San Carlos, the Max Peralta and another private hospital (not named) in the Cartago province.
The head of the CCSS, Maria del Rocio Saenz, insists the number of deaths from this virus is “within normal ranges” and ruled out an outbreak.
In hospitals, with the AH1N1 virus, are four in San Carlos, nine in Cartago and two at the San Rafael Hospital in Alajuela.
The Minister of Health, Maria Esther Anchia, said this is not an unusual increase in respiratory viruses, however, is urging people to maintain basic care to prevent respiratory infections with constant hand washing and using of tissue or forearm to cover a cough or sneeze.
As a precaution, the hospitals in San Carlos, Cartago and Alajuela have activated a protocol restricting patient visits.
Everyday actions people can take to stay healthy
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
