In an effort to curb the surging swine flu, Brazil is enacting strict measures at borders crossing Argentina which has been severely battered by the virus
Brazil's Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao declared that there had been a spurt in the number of A/H1N1 flu cases in the past month in the state.
According to the Brazilian health authorities, nearly one third of the country's 977 patients related to the virus had contracted the disease during travels in Argentina.
The officials are skeptical that the figures may rise further in July, when the winter vacations commence in Brazilian schools.
The outbreak in South America threatens to turn harsh as the continent enters the southern winter when health experts say conditions are conducive for the spread of flu.
Argentina hit hard by the virus
Argentina has the world’s highest rate of deaths associated with swine flu infections, with a total of 70 people having fallen prey to the influenza. As a precautionary measure to combat the infectious virus casinos are being closed and classes have been suspended in the country.
Argentina is the country with the largest number of victims within the Pan American Health Organization and the second largest number of infected, behind Chile.
Brazilian health officials are also discouraging Brazilians from traveling to Argentina. Authorities are especially discouraging persons older than 60 years of age, those younger than 2 years of age and persons with weakened immune systems from travel to the country.
Precautionary measures to combat the disease
According to Minister Temporao, the Federal Highway Police, the Armed Forces and the Health Ministry will provide all the necessary support and measures to the local governments to curb the spread of the flu.
The ministry stated that strict measures will be heavily enforced at border crossing points. A special control program is in the pipeline primarily aimed at truck drivers who make frequent trips across the Argentine border.
Putting to rest the rumors that a Brazil versus Argentina World Cup Qualifier soccer match scheduled for September has been cancelled, Temporao declared that no official decision pertaining to the event had been taken.
H1N1 Influenza
You are not correct in stating that Argentina has the most fatalities from the H1N1 flu virus. To date it is third in the world behind Mexico and the U.S.
But because it's winter in Argentina and because the politicians there haven't the courage to close down cinemas, restaurants and sporting events (as did Mexico) then the number of deaths is set to rise.
Post new comment