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A(H1N1) influenza cases exceeds 200 in Colombia

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-18 20:01

BOGOTA: The total number of confirmed cases of A(H1N1) influenza in Colombia now exceeds 200, including eight deaths, the government said Friday.

Full coverage:  WHO Declares Flu Pandemic Related readings:  WHO stops giving global A(H1N1) flu tally  South Africa registers over 100 cases of A(H1N1) flu  WHO:World manufacturing capacity for A/H1N1 flu vaccines is limited  Mass. reports two more H1N1 flu deaths  U.S. to spend another $1 billion on flu vaccine

The government also said the number of suspected flu cases in Colombia has risen to 1,883, with 202 confirmed. Six of the eight deaths have been in Bogota, officials said.

Diego Palacio, Colombia's health minister, on Monday said the flu has become impossible to control in his country despite stringent efforts.

The virus "is unstoppable in Colombia and the world ... to all those working in health -- doctors, nurses -- remember that when a respiratory infection that evolves fast it is important to suspect the presence of the the virus or at least look for the presence of the virus," Palacio said.