The Health Minister of the Valparaíso region, Lorena Cofré, after participating in a meeting of the Disaster Risk Management Committee (Cogrid) due to the fires in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, reported the appearance of a case of scabies (scabies) in a family, and that a possible Covid-19 outbreak is also being investigated in another shelter, but “they are contained.”
The regional authority maintained that in the context of fires and shelters “initially, hygiene is not the priority, but rather defending life, of course there were some situations that were contained and treated, particularly the case of scabies.” ”.
“This is a particular family from the Santa Julia area, in Viña del Mar, who is undergoing treatment. The situation was raised through the Family Health Center and we are following up. All the people involved are receiving treatment and we are under permanent epidemiological surveillance,” he stated.
Regarding versions of Covid-19 outbreaks, the Health Ministry pointed out that it is something that is being investigated, but “to date we do not have major concerns about it, therefore, what we are encouraging is prevention and timely vaccination. ”.
On the other hand, Cofré called not to donate used clothing, since 30 tons accumulated, which, according to him, generate “foci of unhealthiness such as the presence of pests, mice and fleas.”
“We have said in every tone that we should not continue donating used clothes. It is necessary to give dignity to the neighbors. There are more than 30 accumulated tons of clothing that we have removed from public roads in coordination with the different municipalities, and the argument for this is that this accumulated clothing generates sources of unhealthiness such as the presence of pests, mice, fleas and others,” said the seremi Lorena Cofré.
However, regional sources have indicated that, this week, in the shelter of the República de Colombia school, in Viña del Mar, the contagion of Covid-19 was detected in one of the sheltered families.
The affected family would have been isolated in the same facility. There is concern among residents and shelter staff, who demand urgent measures to control the situation and protect the health of all those involved.