Profile of the first cases hospitalized due to Influenza A (H1N1) in Panama City, Panama. May-June 2009.

Introduction: In April 2009, a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus was identified in patients from Mexico and the United States.  From 8 May through 25 June 2009, in the Republic of Panama, 467 cases infected with the same virus were identified, 13 of which were hospitalized at the Santo Tomas Hospital in Panama City. Up to the date of this report, no deaths have been reported in Panama. This study presents the first thirteen cases of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 that were hospitalized in Panama City. Methodology: The Santo Tomas Hospital (HST), a third-level institution of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) for adult health care (patients above the age of 14), was designated as the reference center for treating these cases. For this purpose, the norms and criteria established by the system were followed and every patient (case) presenting flu-like symptoms was included (fever equal or greater than 38ºC (100.4ºF), cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, lethargy in children under the age of one, and respiratory distress). Results: Seventy-six patients were hospitalized as suspected cases for infection with the influenza A H1N1 2009 virus, of which 13 (17.1%) were confirmed as positive. The clinical picture was characterized by fever (100%), cough (92.3%), rhinorrhea (69.2%), malaise (53.8%), headache (53.8%), and only one case presented gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea).  The male:female ratio was 1:2.2. Conclusion:  The knowledge and technology translation previously acquired through courses to the HST health care providers were the key in controlling the first influenza A (H1N1) 2009 cases.