The dreaded H1N1/Swine Flu Virus is on the rapidly increasing trend that all feared might have occurred in Panama. On Wednesday 6th, a medical doctor who is a member of our congregation, gave an educational and awareness building presentation on the H1N1 virus commonly known as Swine Flu or Gripe Porcina (Spanish). It was a real eye opener.
I have been keeping up with the news reports from the US and WHO so I had a basic understanding of the nature of the virus, its spread and what makes it so dangerous. I was completely unaware of Panama’s lack of preparation in case the virus does break loose here. Even before my arrival in Panama, I was aware of some limitations to its health sector.
After being here for a while, I’ve grown increasingly concerned about the lack of proper health care available to the poverty stricken Panamanians who live in remote areas and even right here in Colon City. The Social Security system and the Ministry of Health are two different sectors and it seems they are working at odds rather than with each other.
Then there is the extreme shortage of doctors which has resulted in 1 doctor working in 2 different hospitals and covering shifts that of course makes them chronically tired. I doubt that helps them to function at their best. And this situation is worse in public hospitals.
Thus, an outbreak of the H1N1 virus in Panama is not a good thing. However, I’m quite impressed with the calmness of the people. No I’m not saying there ought to be panic. Lord knows that won’t help. But I can’t help but wonder if enough has been done to get persons to demonstrate more care, and greater hygiene practices. I certainly see a lot of ‘business as usual’ type of behaviour taking place.
Demonstration of caution is a funny thing though. I believe I’ve been careful without being paranoid about all the various viruses that I might contract in Panama. In fact, I believe I was exercising due care and calm when I discovered I had caught, or rather I was caught by the Dengue virus. I shared that story in this article about Panama’s Dengue outbreak that was particularly bad in 2007.
The H1N1 – Swine Flu Virus is not Dengue but it is no less dangerous and is spreading rapidly. When we got the presentation last Wednesday there were no cases in Panama. Surprisingly by Friday we heard there was 1 confirmed case; a young man who came from the US. By Sunday 2 more cases were confirmed. They were members of the same family of the first case.
Then on Monday May 11th the figure went to 15, and by Wednesday May 13th there were 29 confirmed cases. Thankfully, there have been no deaths so far. Yesterday I was in Panama City and it was very sobering to see persons wearing their masks. It was a sign that persons were not taking any chances. We were barefaced (pun intended)!
There have been no national advisories prohibiting gatherings, or for the closure of schools and churches. There was however one tip that affects the effusive greetings in this context. We were advised against hugging, kissing on the cheek, and shaking of hands. We should touch elbows instead! So in church we started practicing to touch elbows, but old habits die hard and the elderly feel slighted. So we might very well have to desist from the greeting during worship to prevent some from feeling offended when you offer an elbow instead of a cheek!
Please feel free to leave a comment or information on any latest development.
Extending an elbow,
Marvia
**Updated 15/05/09 after the above was published
The actual count now stands at 39 confirmed cases of the H1N1 Virus in Panama. Still no deaths and none so far in Panama. The majority of the cases are in Panama City. With so many persons from Panama City working in Colon City, its really just a matter of time…
My husband and I are considering moving to Panama, and so I was very interested in your story.
Perhaps I can help. I am a health care worker, an occupational therapist, and I am building a website designed to help others prepare for a pandemic and prevent infection. It has current information, which is only from reliable sources.
Because I’ve been studying the bird flu for several years, and this swine flu has a number of similarities, I was able to get ththe website up and going pretty quickly.
I feel that I am supposed to share what I have learned with others–perhaps to save lives. Please pass information about my website along to those it will help.
Linda,
Thank you for visiting and for sharing your most informative Blog with us. I have visited your site and will circulate the link among our membership and in other places as well.
If you were already in Panama, you could assist with the education and awareness building process. A simple thing like the frequent washing of hands is not a common practice among a lot of persons I can tell you.
Again, thanks for sharing and best wishes in your work and commitment to public health. I will be in touch with you further.