Costa Blanca

More than 20 suspected cases have been detected across the country

More than 20 suspected cases have been detected across the country
SPAIN’S health authorities are currently analysing more than 20 cases of suspected swine fever, which has already killed more than 100 people in Mexico. The patients possibly affected by the virus are in Cataluña, Andalucia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, Bilbao, Teruel, Albacete, Navarra and Madrid. All of them are aged between 21 and 30 and have recently returned from Mexico.
The Minister for Health, Trinidad Jimenez, has warned people not to travel to Mexico and, if they are planning to do so, to postpone their trip unless it is strictly necessary. The Spanish airport association, AENA, has made sure that all airport and flight staff are fully aware of the correct protocol to follow if any of the passengers they encounter are suspected to be carrying the virus and will be collaborating with the healthcare teams to ensure maximum safety. The minister has also pointed out that eating pork products carries no risk, as the disease can only be transmitted from one human to another.
Cases of swine fever are being detected throughout the world and even President Barack Obama’s health was in question, as he visited Mexico on April 16 and met with archaeologist, Felipe Solis, who has since died from the virus.
The main symptom of swine fever is a sudden and intense fever, accompanied by coughing, sneezing and a general flu-like feeling.
Experts have made it clear that infection is not necessarily fatal, as the virus can be treated.
If you have returned from Mexico recently, keep a careful check on your health for the next 10 days and see a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms. For more information you can call the Ministry of Health’s helpline on 901 400 100.