The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported on Tuesday that Panama has no cases of the A(H3N2) variant, subtype K, which is circulating in Europe and the Americas. The agency is calling on the population to continue using respiratory masks to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses circulating in the country. Yelkys Gil, General Director of Public Health of Minsa, explained that the new A(H3N2) variant, already circulating in Costa Rica, is a seasonal virus and is not a new virus or a pandemic. The official emphasized that this new variant is more contagious and transmissible; however, its severity and lethality are not high, so the population is requested to go to health centers to get vaccinated against influenza. Meanwhile, Blas Armien, head of the Department of Epidemiology of Minsa, stated that 1,280,982 doses of the influenza vaccine have already been administered in Panama, which has allowed hospitalizations, severity, and deaths to decrease. According to the entity's figures, to date, 97 deaths from influenza have been reported, of which 85% had not been vaccinated and 90% had health complications. On the other hand, the institution recommends: not self-medicating, going to health centers in a timely manner, using a mask, avoiding crowds, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, staying hydrated with water, and washing hands with soap and water or alcohol gel. It is worth noting that two weeks ago, the General Directorate of Public Health issued a circular addressed to all regional directors and health facilities, urging them to remain vigilant, strengthen early diagnosis, and ensure the timely identification of warning signs in patients. Minsa reiterates that the influenza vaccine is available in all health centers and polyclinics in the Metropolitan Region, San Miguelito, North Panama, Colón, and Coclé.
