THE NUMBER  of deaths from A ( H1N1) influenza  has  jumped to 22  and 671 people are affected with severe respiratory symptoms said the Ministry of Health (MoH) on  Wednesday June 15.

Two days earlier the government reported that 18 people had died. West Panama, Colon, David, Santiago, San Miguelito and Aguadulce are some of the areas where deaths occurred

The new victims were reported in the provinces of Veraguas, Colon and Panama West. According to health authorities each of the patients had additional risk factors.

The MoH has reiterated that the priority for vaccination are people who are in risk groups, ie, less than five years, over 60, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

FREE SHOTS
Vaccination is free and available at health centers across the country which have extended hours to cope with the demand.

An additional 300,000 units of vaccine obtained from France will be arriving in Panama on Friday, June 17, and clinics will be working through the weekend.

On the other hand, after several conversations health authorities have determined that the closure of educational institutions in the country is not recommended.

Students returned to school on Monday June 13 after the long break

Nestor Sosa, a spokesman for the special commission created by the Government to address the issue of influenza, said the decision not to close the schools is supported by the Pan American Health Organizations and Global Health.

Meanwhile teachers in numerous schools in Chepo, Arrijain and Chorrera have closed classes for up to two week citing concerns with inadequate or mal-functioning toilets and washing facilities in addition to health authority advice for people to avoid crowded places. They also say most students have not been vaccinated against A (H1N1).

Reports are spreading of other teachers meeting to decide whether or not to carry on with classes.