World News: Panama Records 76 Flu Deaths, 17 of Them Children and Teens, Some Under 10 Months Old. Lessons for Children's Museums and Learning Centres
Last updated: 9 Nov 2026 | 9 Views |
World News: Panama Records 76 Flu Deaths, 17 of Them Children and Teens, Some Under 10 Months Old. Lessons for Children's Museums and Learning Centres
From Panama: in mid-July 2024 Panama's health ministry reported 76 flu deaths since January, 17 of them minors, two under 10 months old. Thai children's museums, learning centres and science centres, where children touch exhibits all day, should prepare.
The True Story: 17 Children Among 76 Deaths
Panamanian newspaper Mi Diario reported on 25 July 2024 that as of 13 July 2024 Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) had recorded 76 influenza deaths, 11 of them in the latest week.
The report said 17 of the deaths were minors: two under 10 months old and 15 aged 1–14. Panamá Oeste and Chiriquí had the most deaths with 15 each, and the ministry stressed prevention and vaccination for children and older adults.
The Key Lesson: Exhibits Every Child Has to Touch
Thai children's museums, learning centres and science centres receive many school groups and families. Points to watch are:
- Hands-on exhibits pressed and touched all day
- Theatres and screening rooms that are dark and closed
- School trips with hundreds of children at once
- Children's toilets at busy times
- Toddler corners with toys that get mouthed
How Flu Spreads
According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.
Risk Register for Children's Museums and Learning Centres
- Exhibits not wiped during the day: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe buttons and touchscreens every 2 hours. Owner: exhibit manager
- Crowded school trips: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: timed entry and capped numbers. Owner: visitor services
- Closed screening rooms: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: air rooms between shows. Owner: facilities
- Toddler toys not washed: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wash toys daily. Owner: play corner staff
- Building not deep-cleaned: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat activity rooms after closing. Owner: director
Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Children's Museums
- Use timed entry and cap numbers
- Place hand gel in every exhibit zone
- Wipe buttons and touchscreens every 2 hours
- Wash toddler toys daily
- Air screening rooms between shows
- Clean toilets hourly at peak
- Fog and ozone-treat activity rooms after closing
How ULV Disinfection Fogging Helps
The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot reach.
- Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
- Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
- Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
- The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
- Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
- Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies
Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces
The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.
- Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
- No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
- Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
- Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
- Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans
Before and After
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many flu deaths did Panama record? A: 76 as of 13 July 2024, 17 of them minors.
Q: Which areas had the most deaths? A: Panamá Oeste and Chiriquí, with 15 each.
Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.
Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.
Q: Can agencies or museums get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Related Links and Sources
Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment
The real news from Panama shows flu can take children's lives. Clean learning spaces let children enjoy discovery safely. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for exhibit zones, toilets and entrance halls, and the ozone treatment service for activity and screening rooms after closing. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Keywords: Panama flu, child flu, children's museum, learning centre, science centre, museum disinfection, activity room ozone treatment
