Undersecretary of Health rules out presence of swine flu in Chile

SANTIAGO.- Amidst growing concern in much of the world over possible contamination from outbreaks of swine flu, mainly affecting Mexico, Undersecretary of Health Jeanette Vega has denied that cases of the illness have been reported in Chile and issued a call for citizens to follow the recommendations given by authorities on the matter.

Vega asserted on Radio ADN that the Ministry of Health has ruled out three suspicious cases.

"What we have in Chile is the seasonal flu, for which this is the last week of vaccinations", added the undersecretary.

Nevertheless, the health official stressed that authorities will maintain the sanitation barricade at the airport in an effort to prevent the sickness from entering the country.

Furthermore, Vega highlighted the fact that body temperature checks will continue to be performed on individuals arriving from Mexico and warned that any passengers that display symptoms will be sent to the previously determined medical centers.