Mystery illness death toll climbs to 15 in Panama

PANAMA CITY, Oct 5 (Reuters) The death toll from a mystery illness in Panama has risen to at least 15, with seven others still suffering but recovering from fever, diarrhea and partial paralysis, the Health Ministry said.

Doctors do not know the cause but say the disease progresses rapidly to the renal system and causes neurological damage.

Three suffering from the unidentified illness died late on Tuesday in Panama City and another 12 deaths over the last month were confirmed to have been caused by the same disease, the ministry said today.

The ministry declared a national epidemic alert on Tuesday.

The dead were all over 60 years of age and most were already suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problems.

The illness does not seem to be contagious and dengue fever, influenza, West Nile virus and other illnesses have been ruled out.

Reuters SBA VP0615