Swine flu in Venezuela

17 people in Venezuela died of swine flu

05/28/2013

After 2009, when the swine flu first caused concern around the world, the number of fatal H1N1 infections in the past two years was extremely manageable. The feared deadly pandemic proved less threatening than initially thought. However, according to media reports, at least 17 people in Venezuela have died as a result of a swine flu infection. Over 250 people are said to have been infected with the H1N1 virus.

According to the Venezuelan Minister of Health, the outbreak of swine flu in Venezuela is likely to be a sequel to the 2009/2010 swine flu pandemic. Most of the currently reported infections occurred in the border area with Colombia. As a high-risk group, especially the older and the very young inhabitants are at risk. However, according to the official communication, a large part of them have already been immunized by a corresponding vaccination. Around three million people in Venezuela have already been vaccinated. Thus, despite the current spread of H1N1 infections in the border area with Colombia, it is likely that the number of new infections will remain manageable, according to the Venezuelan government.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), swine flu in the wake of the past pandemic had claimed around 18,500 deaths, which epidemiologists consider a very conservative estimate. (Fp)

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Picture credits: Gerd Altmann