New outbreak of deadly respiratory infection: The virus has forced authorities to impose lockdowns in Colombia

The case was identified only at the Bogotá Military School in Colombia. On Saturday 3 February, a young cadet died of the virus.

Several other youths showed similar symptoms. Two days later, the Ministry of Health confirmed the outbreak and introduced measures to prevent the spread of the virus, which was not immediately identified.

People exposed to this unusual severe acute respiratory infection

About 290 people were exposed to the virus resulting in an unusual severe acute respiratory infection. More than a hundred showed symptoms and three were hospitalized, particularly in intensive care, Infobay reported.

Open health examination and autopsy ordered

Faced with this epidemic and the death of a young soldier, the matter was quickly taken seriously. The health check was opened. Analyzes and sampling were conducted. An autopsy was ordered on the young soldier’s body to confirm the infection.

Confined

To prevent any spread outside its enclosure, the military school isolated those exposed. Containment measures have also been implemented, including quarantine for open cases until February 14, when new cases are identified.

H3N2 virus identified

According to the analysis, the virus that caused the outbreak is influenza A type H3N2.

This virus is a variant of influenza type A that causes seasonal epidemics and has symptoms similar to the common flu. However, its complications can cause severe respiratory ailments and lead to death.

Responsible for over 4 million deaths in 1968

The health measures were put in place because the virus can lead to epidemics very quickly due to its rapid transmission between people. This type of virus originally comes from pigs. In 1968, it was discovered in Hong Kong and caused the death of more than four million people in this Asian region.