Colombia’s health minister, Diego Palacio, announced Sunday the
country had confirmed its first case of Influenza A (H1N1) in a
42-year-old man who lives near th capital Bogotá.
“Last night, the Colombian government was notified by the CDC (US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that one of the 18 samples
sent for testing was positive for the H1N1 virus,” Palacio told
reporters.
The result makes Colombia the 18th country to confirm a case of the virus.
Palacio said the man, a resident of Zipaquira, Cundinamarca had recently traveled to Mexico.
“He received all necessary medical attention and we have taken every step to control the situation,” the minister said.
“This should not be cause for alarm,” he said, but added it was likely only the first case of several that are sure to be found.
The Ministry announced Saturday that the government bought 850,000 masks for people who want to cover their mouth and nose. A maximum price was set on the selling of masks, to avoid street vendors exploiting fear and asking high prices.
Mexico, at the epicenter of the A(H1N1) outbreak, said its death
toll had reached 19. The country also has 454 infected patients.
The United States has reported 160 confirmed cases across 21 states, including one death.
In Canada, some 30 new cases were reported on Saturday, bringing
the total number of people infected throughout the country to more than
85.
