Flu in Argentina: a preview of America in the Fall

The spanish language newspaper "La Nacion" has several articles detailing the current situation in Argentina. The situation may be a precursor of what the Northern Hemisphere may face in the Fall.

Argentina has declared a health emergency. This is the first natonal health emergency since 2002.

The paper reports less activity in major cities in Argentina has slowed. Less people in the streets, on the subways, at the malls, in restaurants, and many shops closed.

The annual school Winter holiday has been extended to the end of July. And, for the first time since 1918, all theaters in the country are, and will remain, closed for 10 days.

Absenteeism is evident in both public and private agencies. The absences are not only for cases of illness, but also to keep those with a family member in high risk groups, (pregnant women, those suffering from asthma, and compromised immune system), from being exposed. Argentine Minister of Health, Juan Luis Manzur gave permission for all groups of people considered at risk if the were to catch H1N1, to take a "preventitive leave of absence from work, for 15 days".

At a press conference, Argentine Health Minister, Juan Manzur, stated, “90 % of the virus that circulates is from the H1N1 flu” and confirmed that “right now” there are 100 thousand people affected by respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, Reuters reports:

Argentines question government as flu spreads
Mon Jul 6, 2009 6:00pm EDT

* Doubts over economic data extend to flu outbreak

* Argentine death toll third-highest in the world

In the blog sphere, Recombinomics reports:
.... data indicate the death tally has tripled in the past week and is among the highest in the world (behind the United States and Mexico). However, the cases in Argentina developed very recently, raising concerns that the virus has changed.