AH1N1 Virus in Panama: Cuban Migrant Dies, Alarms Panama Authorities

A 53-year-old Cuban man admitted in a hospital near the border of Costa Rica died on Sunday due to severe respiratory problems. Authorities in Panama believe that the elderly man's death is linked to the AH1N1 virus.

Yahoo reports indicate that the man's death has alarmed authorities in the area. Since Dec. 19, approximately 1,000 migrants have been stranded near the border.

Doctors are closely monitoring the conditions of two other patients who have been admitted to the same hospital with similar symptoms. Reports indicate that the Cuban migrants are faring better.

Approximately 8,000 other Cuban migrants are inside Costa Rica and unable to pass through Nicaragua. Costa Rican Times says hospitals are being prepared to handle a possible influx of influenza cases.

In Guyana, a report published by the Latin American Herald Tribune reveals that the local health ministry is also monitoring the condition of a patient confirmed with the H1N1 virus. A statement made by the health ministry states that the patient recently travelled from China to the US and Trinidad and Tobago and will be put under supervision for a total of 21 days.

According to World Health Organization, the influenza A (H1N1) strain first emerged in 2009. Sometimes referred to as the swine flu, the strain also affects pigs.

Contrary to popular belief, a person cannot catch the flu by eating pig products says Web MD. People catch it through contact with an infected person.

Similar to other seasonal strains of the flu, the severity can vary from asymptomatic to fatal. According to the Daily Sabah, elderly people over the age of 65, individuals with chronic diseases of weak immune systems are more susceptible to infection.

The disease is also lethal to infants and pregnant women, the Sabah publication adds. As an airborne virus, the World Health Organization advises people to avoid crowded places and coming into contact with people suffering from a cold, the cough, flu or other respiratory infections.

Flu Gov reassures the public that this influenza strain is not as dangerous as it was back in 2009. There are flu vaccines designed to reduce the chances of acquiring the virus.

Kristin Davis, a physician's assistant from the Muskingum Valley Health Centers says this year's vaccine is designed treatment for three different strains under Influenza A and B. This includes the H1N1, Whiz News reports.

The effectiveness of the vaccine can still vary depending on the population but it can reduce the severity of the flu symptoms by half, Davis tells the Ohio-based publication.