Rotavirus

Over the past few weeks, Guatemala has reported to PAHO the existence of an outbreak of diarrheic disease. The outbreak began last month; based on information dated 31 January 2004, it has affected 28,255 people, of whom 17,032 are under five years of age.

According to our review of the information available on acute diarrheic syndrome in El Salvador, the incidence of diarrhea is less than it was in 2002 and 2003.

This update contains new information from Guatemala: From Epidemiological Weeks (EW) 1 through 11, Guatemala reported a total of 5,195 cases (859 more cases than reported in the last alert of 23 March), out of which 1,159 were laboratory confirmed, with 3 deaths (in Izabal, Jutiapa, and Petén Norte). The most affected age group continues to be children from 1 to 4 years of age, followed by infants less than a year old and then by children from 5 to 9. The departments with the greatest number of cases are Chiquimula, Santa Rosa, Escuintla, Huehuetenango, Izabal, and Retalhuleu.

This update contains new information from Guatemala: From Epidemiological Weeks (EW) 1 through 17, Guatemala reported a total of 6,657 cases of which 1,123 were laboratory confirmed, with 3 deaths (in Izabal, Jutiapa, and Petén Norte).The age group most affected were children from 1 to 4 years of age, follow by infants less than a year old and then by children 5 to 9 years old.

Over the past month, we have been detecting the appearance of confirmed outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus in several countries of the Region. In view of this situation, which is occurring in the period of greatest viral circulation, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends strengthening surveillance and implementing recommendations that contribute to controlling the spread of the disease.

Over the past month, we have been detecting the appearance of confirmed outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus in several countries of the Region. In view of this situation, which is occurring in the period of greatest viral circulation, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends strengthening surveillance and implementing recommendations that contribute to controlling the spread of the disease.