CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Venezuela's health minister says an
outbreak of swine flu among isolated Amazon Indians has been
contained.
The appearance of swine flu among the Yanomami Indians has been
seen as a major health threat because diseases introduced by gold
miners and other outsiders in the past have ravaged the group and
led to many deaths.
Health Minister Carlos Rotondaro has reported five deaths among
the Yanomami due to the illness. He said Tuesday that the situation
is under control and that medical checks are continuing in Yanomami
communities.
A Cuban-trained team of Venezuelan doctors traveled to the
remote zone, and last week one of its members, Dr. Raidan Bernade,
said the virus was confirmed in one death and suspected in six
others.
(Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)