Nicaragua

As of 7 January 2009

Spread and severity of H1N1 Influenza
The H1N1 virus was reported in Nicaragua on June 1, 2009, being then the last Latin American country to be infected with this virus. First case reported was a girl of Managua City. From that date on there are 2,172 confirmed cases, 11 persons passed away due to H1N1 virus. After Managua City, the virus spread to other cities of the country.

Government reaction
According to government announcement an "alert state" was established since early June 2009. A CDC (Center of Disease Control & Prevention) (from US Government) specialist arrived to Nicaragua to train sanitary staff on how to perform fast tests to find out if severe respiratory infections were due to H1N1 virus. At the same time the Ministry of Health confirmed that Nicaragua got a donation from World Health Organization (WHO) a stock of 10,000 antivirus treatments.

Business community reaction
Up to know there is no detection of infections in hotels but all travelers that arrived to Nicaragua, whether by air or any other border post, are required to fill up a declaration form regarding their health status. A temperature detecting device are also set at the airport, this is not present on any other border entries though. In case a traveler is found sick, they will be sent to a quarantine area for a thorough check up and subsequent confirmation if they are or not infected by the H1N1 virus.

Community perception
Citizens are aware that the virus is very contagious and can be fatal, therefore there is a positive reaction to take all preventive measures as advised by the government on their communication channels. Also, health brigades were organized and have been conducting home visits to areas where there are possible cases of infections. There are also specific commendations to wear masks on crowded places.

Travel advisory by local authorities
Ministry of Health alerts travelers to watch out places visited and avoid contact with persons suspected to be sick with flu. To go to the nearest clinic in case of any flu symptom and to detailed them on the Health Declaration Form when reentering Nicaragua.