Emergency Alarms Ring as Viruses Spread Like Wildfire:
In an urgent and alarming development, the Ministry of Health has declared a health alert while the CCSS (Costa Rican Social Security Fund) has proclaimed an institutional emergency. The culprit? A staggering and persistent peak in respiratory viruses, notably syncytial and rhinovirus.
A Grim Situation: Children and Seniors at Risk
While senior citizens have some degree of safeguarding due to better-equipped facilities, the situation is dire for the youngest among us. Alarmingly, these viruses are heavily affecting children under 5, particularly those 2 and under.
Hospitals on the Brink:
The National Children’s Hospital is beyond its breaking point, with beds being improvised in hallways and offices to accommodate the soaring number of patients. The urgency has never been this intense.
An Unusual and Prolonged Outbreak:
Typically, peaks of respiratory illnesses used to last around two weeks during the rainy season. However, this year has defied all norms, stretching on for up to eight weeks at a time. The situation escalated sharply in March, offering brief moments of respite only in April and July.
Critical Care a Must:
Within 24 hours of arriving at the National Children’s Hospital, many children are requiring emergency intubation to aid their breathing. Of the hospital’s 27 intensive care beds, a shocking 22 are currently occupied by respiratory patients.
A Sobering Toll:
So far, 29 children have lost their lives to respiratory illnesses this year, marking the highest death toll from this cause since 2014.
Unleashing Emergency Funds:
In an extraordinary move, the CCSS Board of Directors has agreed to tap into emergency funds. The money will be utilized to hire an additional 100 staff and to procure more ventilation equipment, primarily for the beleaguered children’s hospital.
