UPDATE: July 29, 2009 - The H1N1 virus continues to spread rapidly throughout Bolivia, at a rate of about 50 new cases per day.

The Bolivian Ministry of Health has confirmed more than 900 cases of the H1N1 virus, including seven deaths, and suspects an additional 5,900 cases.

While Compassion has child development centers in the affected region, no Compassion-assisted children have contracted the H1N1 virus.

The 48 child development centers in Santa Cruz that were temporarily closed have resumed regular center activities.

Please pray for the Lord's protection over the children and their families. Pray that government leaders as well as the Compassion staff will know best how to prevent the spread of the virus.

Compassion Bolivia will keep us updated as more information is available.

Compassion International will contact you if your sponsored child has been affected.

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UPDATE: July 15, 2009 - The H1N1 virus continues to spread rapidly throughout Bolivia, growing at a rate of about 50 cases per day.

The Bolivian Ministry of Health has confirmed nearly 550 cases of the H1N1 virus, including two deaths, and suspects an additional 2,600 cases.

While Compassion has child development centers in the affected region, no Compassion-assisted children have contracted the H1N1 virus.

The Health Service of Santa Cruz has suspended all public gatherings, including schools, until July 24.

Following government recommendations, 48 child development centers in Santa Cruz are closed, although staff members are still providing food to registered children's families.

Compassion staff members continue to visit families to educate them about the disease and distribute soap and face masks.

UPDATE: July 7, 2009 - The Bolivian Ministry of Health has confirmed nearly 500 cases of the H1N1 virus and suspects an additional 1,800 cases.

No Compassion-assisted children in these areas have contracted the H1N1 virus.

Four child development centers in Montero remain closed, although staff members are still providing food to registered children's families.

Compassion staff members are visiting families to educate them about the disease and distribute soap and face masks.

Child development centers have organized task forces to monitor the situation and implement recommendations from the Health Ministry.

UPDATE: June 30, 2009 - The Bolivian Ministry of Health has confirmed more than 120 cases of the H1N1 virus.

Child development centers in Montero, a location under red alert, are temporarily closed in an attempt to stop the spread of the illness. These closed centers are distributing children's meals to the parents.

Child development centers in Santa Cruz, a location under orange alert, are sending representatives from each center to meet with government representatives.

Child development centers in La Paz and Cochabamba, locations under yellow alert, have organized task forces similar to those in Santa Cruz.

No Compassion-assisted children in these areas have contracted the H1N1 virus.

UPDATE: June 22, 2009 - The Bolivian Ministry of Health has confirmed over 20 cases of the H1N1 virus and suspects at least 300 additional cases.

The Health Service in each city is conducting medical screenings at public places such as bus stations and airports.

While Compassion has child development centers in the affected region, no Compassion-assisted children have been affected.

Child development centers in Montero, a location in Santa Cruz under red alert, are providing face masks and liquid soap to registered children, along with training them on their use.

Additional child development center staff in the affected areas are continuing to take necessary precautions and monitor for the disease.

June 4, 2009 - According to the Bolivian Health Ministry, the country has confirmed three cases of the H1N1 virus and suspects there are more than 70 additional cases.

All three of the confirmed cases have been imported from other countries.

The Compassion Bolivia office is taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including providing information about the symptoms to the child development centers.

No Compassion-assisted children have been affected.