May 8, 2024, 10:58 AM
May 8, 2024, 10:58 AM
The Ministry of Health reported that the number of deaths from influenza in the department of Santa Cruz rose to 12. The Vice Minister of Epidemiological Surveillance, Max Enríquezassured that all the victims had underlying diseases, such as: diabetes, asthma, COPD, lupus, pulmonary fibrosis and hypertension.
“In recent days there have been four more deaths (to the 8 confirmed deaths that Santa Cruz already had),” said Enríquez. “The common denominator from the beginning, from the first deceased case, has always been underlying diseases,” he added.
Despite of increase in the number of deathshealth authorities highlight a decrease in influenza cases by up to 50%. According to data from the Ministry of Health, in epidemiological week 17, 455 confirmed cases were registered, while in week 18 the figure dropped to 218.
These data differ from those presented by the director of the Santa Cruz Headquarters, Jaime Bilbao, on Monday morning. According to his report: “In the week 18, we registered 373 casesa figure considerably lower than the 935 cases reported the previous week (17).”
Of course, both authorities agree that the department is experiencing a “marked increase in influenza cases.” However, they insist on their request to vulnerable groups to access the free vaccine found in the 64 health centers in the capital of Santa Cruz and in the more than 400 rural ones.
