Since May 13, Telica volcano, situated in the Department of Leon in Nicaragua, has become more active and continues to show moderate scale explosions in some cases accompanied by electric shocks.

To date, this volcanic activity has not created health problems in the population but constant monitoring of environmental factors continues regarding changes in the concentration of chemicals in the air and water (especially water wells near the volcano).

The Ministry of Health of Matagalpa, with the technical support form PAHO/WHO, conducted from 7 to 11 of March 2011 a training workshop and a drill with the participation of members of the Rapid Response Teams (RRT) of Matagalpa, Masaya and Chontales. 

Experts from Central America and Dominican Republic analyzed in Costa Rica the progress related with preparation and response to health emergencies. The aim of this workshop was to exchange experiences and to work, in a coordinated manner, in the areas of organization, preparedness and response to health emergencies such as epidemics and pandemics.

This meeting brought together health workers from different areas such as epidemiology, communication, health services, drinking water, risk management and laboratory, among others.
 

State of emergency has been declared in the provinces of Panama, Colon and Darien due to the heavy rains from the last weeks. The National System of Civil Protection in Panama (SINAPROC in Spanish) maintains the red alert in many of the affected areas.

According to the reports 10 people died, 1 person is missing, 14.320 people are affected and about 5.092 people are in 26 shelters at the moment. At least 26 health facilities of the Ministry of Health have been affected with damage to both equipment and water and sanitation systems.