The Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) due to influenza in the General José María Córdova Military Cadet School, generating concern in the academic community and in the city of Bogotá. So far, 290 exposed people have been registered, of which 101 have symptoms and 98 are in isolation. In addition, three people are hospitalized, two of them in Intensive Care Units.
The District Health Secretariat of Bogotá visited the school to investigate the respiratory outbreak and possible mortality from SARI. It was established that there is an outbreak potentially caused by influenza, and multidisciplinary teams have been deployed to carry out an active search for cases and isolate possible respiratory symptoms.
Unfortunately, on Saturday, February 3, the death of an 18-year-old young man, student Christopher Blanco Vásquez of the Cadet Battalion No. 1, was reported at the Central Military Hospital, while awaiting the clinical autopsy. Given this situation, the entity recommends that families in the academic community inform the school management or call 123 if they present any respiratory symptoms.
The District Secretary of Health, Gerson Bermont, stated that they will work together with the Health Directorate of the National Army to mitigate cases of SARI contagion. Teams are expected to conduct a new situation report to provide new information to the community.
The Health Directorate of the National Army sent a multidisciplinary team to the academic faculty to carry out the active search for symptomatic people. The health status of the staff was evaluated and a presumed involvement with an outbreak of acute respiratory infection was found, so special observation was available for those affected.
The Military School takes preventive measures in cases of severe acute respiratory infection
As preventive measures, epidemiological fences, demarcation of areas and isolation measures were established. Respiratory screening, training on signs and symptoms of influenza, and hand cleaning recommendations and respiratory etiquette were also promoted with the aim of avoiding spread.
The General José María Córdova Military Cadet School has maintained constant communication with the families of the academic community to inform about the actions taken by the institution and the health authorities.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Emerging respiratory diseases represent a substantial risk to humanity due to their high transmission potential. These diseases can cause high rates of morbidity, hospitalization and fatality. Given this potential for severity, it is essential to implement patient care, control and prevention measures for new cases immediately.
The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection due to influenza at the General José María Córdova Military Cadet School has generated concern in the academic community and in the city of Bogotá. Health authorities are working hard to mitigate cases of contagion and provide updated information to the community. It is important that families be alert to any respiratory symptoms and report them immediately to the corresponding authorities. Prevention and care are essential to prevent the spread of this disease.