Colombia’s President Álvaro Uribe has swine flu

Colombian authorities confirmed on Sunday that Álvaro Uribe, Colombia’s president, was infected with the virus H1N1 virus.

Cesar Mauricio Velasquez, Secretary of Information and Press Office of the President, reported on the health of the President, and stated that “President Uribe showed early signs on Friday while returning from the UNASUR Summit, held in Argentina’s Bariloche city, but had to acquire the virus days before.

On Saturday, due to symptoms which increased when he headed a Community Council in Puerto Carreño, he had to receive medical care.
Velasquez said he “has informed through diplomatic channels to those involved in the UNASUR summit to take appropriate action, as well as people who have had close contact in recent days with the president.”

Velasquez added that “we are closely watching the 55 people who traveled on the same plane with the president to Bariloche, among whom were the Ministers of Foreign Affairs Jaime Bermudez, and Defense, Gabriel Silva , the commander of the Military Forces, General Freddy Padilla, Velasquez and several journalists. ”

And that “If any of them have any symptoms, should be tested.
He also clarified that “none of the 55 has unusual symptoms yet, there is no suspicion of having the virus for now.
The spokesman added: “At this point, the president is isolated in a room at the presidential palace, where he continued with his functions of government, through internet and telephone,” and that “the isolation will last at least seven days “.