CARACAS, May 27 – At least five deaths and 236 infections from swine flu have been reported in Venezuela, officials said Sunday.
Among the five victims, two lived in Zulia, two in Aragua and one in Lara, Xinhua news agency quoted a government report as saying. While infections were found scattered across the country, no cases have been reported in capital Caracas or surrounding suburbs.
Swine flu or H1N1 Influenza hit Venezuela hard when it caused a worldwide epidemic between 2009 and 2011. Venezuelan Health Minister Isabel Iturria has called on the public to remain calm, saying vaccines would be sent to the most vulnerable sectors.
Residents in affected areas were advised to wear masks outdoors and wash hands regularly as well as seek medical care once symptoms appear. In El Hatillo, one of Caracas’ five boroughs, local authorities launched a swine flu vaccination programme on Sunday to calm fears.
-BERNAMA
