Bogota’s health authority is on alert for the possible spread of the H5N1 virus, a flu even more virulent than the AH1N1 virus, which cost the lives of over 200 Colombians in 2009.
Health Secretary Hector Zambrano said the probability is high that cases of the H5N1 virus, also known as “avian flu,” will arrive in the Colombian capital city, due to the large number of foreigners who visit Bogota over summer vacation.
Zambrano advised the population to wash their hands regularly and see a doctor immediately if they have symptoms such as headaches, sore throat, cough, a fever and watering eyes.
Public hospitals are on alert for a potential outbreak of the flu.
According to Zambrano, the rainy season has increased the incidence of respitory illness in teh Andean nation.
In Colombia 208 people have died of the AH1N1 virus, or swine flu, since it first appeared in May 2009 and 142,560 Colombians have been infected by the illness.