The Ministry of Health (MINSA) is reinforcing medical attention and sanitary surveillance for the festivities in the province of Veraguas. To this end, several mobile health posts will be set up. From Saturday, February 14th, to Tuesday, February 17th, a health post will be operational in the park of Santiago. For the pilgrimage in Atalaya, another post with ambulances and paramedical staff will be deployed from Wednesday, February 18th, to Sunday, February 22nd. Health authorities are calling on the public to maintain preventive measures, stay properly hydrated, consume food from authorized stalls, and immediately go to health centers for any symptoms or emergencies. The Ministry of Health aims to ensure that both the carnival celebrations and the pilgrimage take place in a safe environment under strict sanitary control. Dr. Xavier Torres, regional director of Health in Veraguas, stated that the main objective is to safeguard the health of the population during these high-attendance events. As part of the operation, the Vector Control Department will carry out fumigation before and after the water fights in the Placita San Juan de Dios. This measure aims to prevent mosquito proliferation and reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases. Likewise, the Food Control and Veterinary Surveillance departments will conduct constant monitoring of food stalls, checking sanitary conditions to prevent food poisoning and gastrointestinal illnesses. Emergency medical services and public health officials remain on alert with reinforcements in hospital emergency rooms and health centers across the province to respond promptly to any incidents.
