BRIEFS. Health

Officials warn of meningitis

The increase of cases of meningitis has prompted action on the part of the Ministry of Health.

With 34 reported cases in 2008, 22 more than in 2007, the ministry issued a statement yesterday warning the public to pay attention to potential symptoms and urging them to take the necessary preventive measures.

Gladys Guerrero, director of epidemiology for the ministry, reported that, in addition to the increase in cases, health officials are seeing more aggressive strains of the virus.

According to the ministry, most of the cases were in Panama City (17), followed by San Miguelito (8), West Panama (3) and Colón (2). Single cases were reported in Chiriquí, the Darién, East Panama and Veraguas.

Given this reality, the official stressed that the most important thing is to see a doctor if any of the symptoms appear, and to follow basic hygiene procedures to avoid infection.

Panama experienced a record number of cases in 1989 and early 1990, when 132 incidents reported.

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