Mystery illness kills 18 in Panama

PANAMA CITY, Oct 6 (Reuters) A mystery illness in Panama claimed the life of another victim, bringing to 18 the number of people who have died from it and baffled health officials said poison could be involved.

Health Minister Camilo Alleyne said tests on the 18 victims -- 13 of whom died this week, suffering from fever, diarrhea and partial paralysis -- had revealed damage to kidney and nerve tissue, which suggested possible poisoning.

Officials were testing medicines taken by the victims for toxic agents in search of the cause.

''The studies of kidney and nervous tissue showed damage that suggests a toxic effect,'' Alleyne said, stressing there were no signs that the sickness was contagious.

''At this time there is no proof or evidence of transmission of the illness from person to person,'' he said.

The illness -- which starts with nausea, diarrhea and weakness, and progresses to acute kidney failure, paralysis and death -- has struck mainly elderly men being treated for high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disorders.

Alleyne told a news conference there did not appear to be a common medicine that all victims had been taking, but said this was still under investigation. Many had been taking multiple treatments.

Ten other people are sick with the illness, which doctors say progresses rapidly to the renal system and causes neurological damage.

The health ministry declared a national epidemic alert on Tuesday. Dengue fever, influenza, West Nile virus and other illnesses have been ruled out.

Reuters DKS VP0735