State health authorities have ruled out bird flu as the cause of the recent deaths of seabirds and fish reported on several beaches near Puerto Escondido.
The dead animals were found on the beaches of Palmarito, Escobilla, Ventanilla, Agua Blanca and Guapinole, and in Laguna de Zapotalito.
After retrieving the animals and running tests, Oaxaca Health Services (SSO) and the National Center for Diagnostic Services in Animal Health (Cenasa) issued an opinion stating that the animals in question were not affected by the bird flu virus (H5N1).
Likewise, hospitals in the region have reported no suspected or confirmed cases of the infection among the human population.
SSO reported that the protocol for monitoring, intensified surveillance and comprehensive preventive actions was set in motion along the state’s coast, coordinating the efforts of a number of institutions for the final disposal of the specimens, the analysis of samples to determine the causes of mortality, as well as water analysis to identify possible toxins or toxic microorganisms.
“In addition, monitoring of the areas where these events were reported will be strengthened. The entire medical network in the region is on alert for health care in cases that could be related to this event,” the agency said.
The medical alert includes a series of informative talks on the hygienic management of food and beverages, aimed at merchants in the areas where dead animals were found.
The SSO protocol enables the prevention and control of the spread of diseases that may affect the biodiversity of the region, human health and productive activities.
The agency also urged citizens to remain calm, not spread unofficial information and, in the event of finding a dead bird or fish, avoid handling it.
With reports by El Universal
