The ten thousand displaced indigenous residing in Colombia’s capital
Bogota are at heightened risk of contracting and spreading the AH1N1
virus that killed five in the city already, Bogota councilor Ati Quigua
said.
In an interview with Caracol Radio, the indigenous councilor warns that the precarious conditions of the displaced and their lack of food has weakened the displaced population’s immune system.
Because of their poor conditions they are at heightened risk to contract and spread the virus.
“I have asked the national and district government to unite efforts for the displaced population in the capital, because this eminent risk of the AH1N1 virus can have repercussions for public health,” Quigua said.
The indigenous lawmaker’s call comes shortly after the a 48-day-old indigenous baby died of the virus. According to Quigua, the twenty-some indigenous who were living near the baby may have contracted the virus and need special care.