Laurentino Cortizo, the President of Panama on Monday (June 20) revealed that he has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder known as myelodysplastic syndrome.

Laurentino Cortizo, the President of Panama on Monday (June 20) revealed that he has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder known as myelodysplastic syndrome. Cortizo also said that he would be seeking a second medical opinion and the 69-year-old said he feels well and is in "good spirits." In a televised statement, the president said that in late May, his doctors detected "a decrease in haemoglobin and white blood cell count" during routine testing. After that, a bone marrow biopsy was performed and samples were sent to a US laboratory on the recommendation of specialists. He was then diagnosed with "intermediate risk" myelodysplastic syndrome. Cortizo did not reveal if he would receive treatment. He said that he will undergo a second evaluation in the US city of Houston in July to find out the extent of the disease. "I want to say that I feel well, I'm in good spirits and that I will continue with my regular work," Cortizo said. What is myelodysplastic syndrome? According to the American Cancer Society, myelodysplastic syndrome is considered a type of cancer affecting the body's ability to make healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. The disorder basically hinders the production of blood cells. As per the UK-based National Health Service, Reports have noted that the treatments for myelodysplastic syndrome can range from blood transfusions to chemotherapy or stem cell transplants. Julio Sandoval, a doctor specialising in internal medicine and critical care, told AFP: "The disease diagnosed to the president is a type of blood cancer." Citing Sandoval, the news agency further reported that this type of cancer makes the patient feel tired and weak, and leads to weight loss. Sandoval said that the disease can be caused "by a genetic disorder that develops silently and appears after the age of 60." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What is myelodysplastic syndrome? Panama's president diagnosed with rare blood disorder

At least 12 people were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;and another 13 were injured during a&nbsp;shootout&nbsp;among&nbsp;inmates&nbsp;at a jail&nbsp;near&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;City&nbsp;on Tuesday, officials said.

Police said they seized several guns in the incident at La Joyita&nbsp;prison, 16 miles (25 km) east of the capital, including five handguns and three long-barrelled firearms.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panamas-cortizo-declares-victory-in-presidential-vote-216350">Laurentino Cortizo</a>, who took office in July, said the incident suggested jail guards helped smuggle in the weapons.

"These firearms didn't fall out of the sky, there was obviously some type of cooperation there for firearms to be brought in," he said in a statement.

Police official Alexis Munoz said the shooting originated from within the jail, where&nbsp;inmates&nbsp;are grouped according to gang affiliations to avoid confrontations, and that the cause was being investigated.

At least 12 people were killed and another 13 were injured during a shootout among inmates at a jail near Panama City on Tuesday, officials said. Police said they seized several guns in the incident at La Joyita prison, 16 miles (25 km) east of the capital, including five handguns and three long-barrelled firearms.

At least 12 people were killed and another 13 were injured during a shootout among inmates at a jail near Panama City on Tuesday, officials said. Police said they seized several guns in the incident at La Joyita prison, 16 miles (25 km) east of the capital, including five handguns and three long-barrelled firearms. President Laurentino Cortizo, who took office in July, said the incident suggested jail guards helped smuggle in the weapons. "These firearms didn't fall out of the sky, there was obviously some type of cooperation there for firearms to be brought in," he said in a statement. Police official Alexis Munoz said the shooting originated from within the jail, where inmates are grouped according to gang affiliations to avoid confrontations, and that the cause was being investigated.

Twelve inmates killed in prison shootout near Panama City

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-votes-for-president-candidates-vow-to-fight-graft-and-inequality-216040">Panama's new President</a> Laurentino 'Nito' Cortizo vowed to curb corruption and close the wealth gap in the isthmus nation at his swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

US-educated political veteran Cortizo, 66, of the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), won the May election by just over two percentage points, the closest presidential race in decades. During his five-year term, he will have to balance relations with China and the United States, on top of domestic issues.

Upon taking office at a convention centre in the capital,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panamas-cortizo-declares-victory-in-presidential-vote-216350">Laurentino Cortizo </a>repeated campaign vows to clean up politics after Panama's image was tarnished by a corruption scandal involving Brazilian engineering firm Odebrecht, and the Panama Papers leak of millions of documents detailing tax evasion by the rich and powerful.

"We come from a lost decade of corruption and improvisation, of stealing money from Panamanians," he said. "There will be no untouchables, even if they are ministers, deputies and big businessmen, starting with the president himself."

Cortizo said he would propose a new law in Congress, in which his party holds the majority, to ensure clear rules and transparency around public contracts.

Panama's economy grew 5.3% annually on average under former President Juan Carlos Varela, driven by the financial sector, infrastructure spending and revenue from the Panama Canal.

However, Varela rankled the United States by formally establishing diplomatic ties with China, the second-largest client of the Panama Canal, accepting investment in a number of strategic projects and starting to negotiate a free trade deal.

During the campaign, Cortizo said he would continue to deepen ties with China, but has suggested he might move more slowly than Varela.

Cortizo did not mention China in his speech, but in a statement, on Monday his office said Panama "valued the relationship with the People's Republic of China." It added that he was interested in revising trade agreements with the goal of increasing agricultural exports to the Asian country.

Fixing Panama's inequality and reducing poverty would be among the country's major tasks, Cortizo said.

"The country of bonanza can not hide the country of misery," he said.

Cortizo won a narrow election victory over Romulo Roux, who initially refused to concede defeat. No election in Panama has produced such a close outcome since the 1989 restoration of democracy that followed the US invasion to topple dictator Manuel Noriega.

Panama's new President Laurentino 'Nito' Cortizo vowed to curb corruption and close the wealth gap in the isthmus nation at his swearing-in ceremony on Monday. US-educated political veteran Cortizo, 66, of the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), won the May election by just over two percentage points, the closest presidential race in decades.

Panama's new President Laurentino 'Nito' Cortizo vowed to curb corruption and close the wealth gap in the isthmus nation at his swearing-in ceremony on Monday. US-educated political veteran Cortizo, 66, of the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), won the May election by just over two percentage points, the closest presidential race in decades. During his five-year term, he will have to balance relations with China and the United States, on top of domestic issues. Upon taking office at a convention centre in the capital, Laurentino Cortizo repeated campaign vows to clean up politics after Panama's image was tarnished by a corruption scandal involving Brazilian engineering firm Odebrecht, and the Panama Papers leak of millions of documents detailing tax evasion by the rich and powerful. "We come from a lost decade of corruption and improvisation, of stealing money from Panamanians," he said. "There will be no untouchables, even if they are ministers, deputies and big businessmen, starting with the president himself." Cortizo said he would propose a new law in Congress, in which his party holds the majority, to ensure clear rules and transparency around public contracts. Panama's economy grew 5.3% annually on average under former President Juan Carlos Varela, driven by the financial sector, infrastructure spending and revenue from the Panama Canal. However, Varela rankled the United States by formally establishing diplomatic ties with China, the second-largest client of the Panama Canal, accepting investment in a number of strategic projects and starting to negotiate a free trade deal. During the campaign, Cortizo said he would continue to deepen ties with China, but has suggested he might move more slowly than Varela. Cortizo did not mention China in his speech, but in a statement, on Monday his office said Panama "valued the relationship with the People's Republic of China." It added that he was interested in revising trade agreements with the goal of increasing agricultural exports to the Asian country. Fixing Panama's inequality and reducing poverty would be among the country's major tasks, Cortizo said. "The country of bonanza can not hide the country of misery," he said. Cortizo won a narrow election victory over Romulo Roux, who initially refused to concede defeat. No election in Panama has produced such a close outcome since the 1989 restoration of democracy that followed the US invasion to topple dictator Manuel Noriega.

Panama's new president, Laurentino Cortizo takes office, pledges end to corruption

Former Panamanian minister Laurentino Cortizo declared victory in presidential polls on Sunday that saw a large number of voters turn out amid concerns over corruption scandals and the country's image as a money launderer's paradise.

But Panama's Electoral Tribunal has yet to announce an official result due to the narrow difference in tallies between contenders for the country's top office.

"I feel very happy. I won. We won. What we have to do now is join forces as a country," Social Democrat Cortizo told reporters.

Cortizo was favoured to win, with pre-election polls giving him a 10-point lead over his closest challenger, former foreign minister Romulo Roux of the Democratic Change party. Independent Ricardo Lombana was a close third in the polls.

With 90.9 per cent of the vote counted, Cortizo led with 33 per cent, followed by Roux with 31 per cent and Lombana with 19.5 per cent, according to the Electoral Tribunal's website.

Sunday's winner will succeed Juan Carlos Varela. Panama's constitution limits presidents to a single five-year term.

Corruption scandals played a significant role in election campaigning in a country struggling to shed its image as a money-laundering paradise following the Panama Papers scandal three years ago.

Equally damaging was the admission by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht that it had paid $59 million in bribes in Panama between 2010 and 2014 to secure major public works contracts.

Panama is home to the strategic canal that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, making it a key conduit in the global maritime trading system.

Cortizo, a 66-year-old former agriculture minister known popularly as "Nito," said he wanted to "rescue and transform Panama" and "leave a legacy" untainted by corruption.

His supporters chanted "Nito, Nito!" as he cast his ballot in Panama City.

The surprise candidate in the race, lawyer and journalist Lombana, had surged in the polls ahead of the vote on an anti-corruption ticket, garnering almost 20 per cent of voter intentions, compared to Cortizo's 36 per cent.

Lombana, a 45-year-old former Panamanian consul to Washington, had hit out at the traditional parties, a popular tactic at a time when public confidence in the political establishment has been eroded by numerous scandals.

"Independent candidates have surged because citizens are fed up with what partisan politics have brought the country; they are fed up with corruption," he told reporters before casting his ballot.

'The country needs change'

Speaking to AFP, Dolores De Gracia said she would vote for Lombana "because in truth I'm looking for a change, this country needs a change. I trust him and I hope the corruption will end."

In recent days, Lombana had gotten a boost from the public backing of singer Ruben Blades, a legend of salsa.

While Blades did not mention Lombana by name, it was clear he was referring to the outsider candidate when he called on voters to pick an independent candidate promising constitutional reform in a bid to end corruption.

"If our country continues with these corrupt institutions, it will explode," said Blades, predicting that would lead to "violent reactions."

Blades is no political novice himself, having run unsuccessfully for president in 1994 and held the position of tourism minister from 2004-2009.

- Inequality and high costs - 
Roux, 54, is a former chairman of the Panama Canal Authority and had tried to appeal to Panamanians who have struggled with inequality and high living costs, as well as a health and welfare crisis, despite a growing economy.

In his campaign, Roux was keen to point to the economic achievements under the now-jailed former president Ricardo Martinelli when he was foreign minister.

He has also managed to remain untainted by the multiple corruption accusations leveled against Martinelli, president from 2009-2014, that have seen the 67-year-old jailed while awaiting trial.

In addition to the president, Panamanians voted to elect 71 deputies, 81 mayors and 700 local lawmakers.

It was the sixth presidential election since the United States' 1989 invasion to overthrow the Manuel Noriega dictatorship.

Former Panamanian minister Laurentino Cortizo declared victory in presidential polls on Sunday that saw a large number of voters turn out amid concerns over corruption scandals and the country's image as a money launderer's paradise.

Former Panamanian minister Laurentino Cortizo declared victory in presidential polls on Sunday that saw a large number of voters turn out amid concerns over corruption scandals and the country's image as a money launderer's paradise. But Panama's Electoral Tribunal has yet to announce an official result due to the narrow difference in tallies between contenders for the country's top office. "I feel very happy. I won. We won. What we have to do now is join forces as a country," Social Democrat Cortizo told reporters. Cortizo was favoured to win, with pre-election polls giving him a 10-point lead over his closest challenger, former foreign minister Romulo Roux of the Democratic Change party. Independent Ricardo Lombana was a close third in the polls. With 90.9 per cent of the vote counted, Cortizo led with 33 per cent, followed by Roux with 31 per cent and Lombana with 19.5 per cent, according to the Electoral Tribunal's website. Sunday's winner will succeed Juan Carlos Varela. Panama's constitution limits presidents to a single five-year term. Corruption scandals played a significant role in election campaigning in a country struggling to shed its image as a money-laundering paradise following the Panama Papers scandal three years ago. Equally damaging was the admission by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht that it had paid $59 million in bribes in Panama between 2010 and 2014 to secure major public works contracts. Panama is home to the strategic canal that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, making it a key conduit in the global maritime trading system. Cortizo, a 66-year-old former agriculture minister known popularly as "Nito," said he wanted to "rescue and transform Panama" and "leave a legacy" untainted by corruption. His supporters chanted "Nito, Nito!" as he cast his ballot in Panama City. The surprise candidate in the race, lawyer and journalist Lombana, had surged in the polls ahead of the vote on an anti-corruption ticket, garnering almost 20 per cent of voter intentions, compared to Cortizo's 36 per cent. Lombana, a 45-year-old former Panamanian consul to Washington, had hit out at the traditional parties, a popular tactic at a time when public confidence in the political establishment has been eroded by numerous scandals. "Independent candidates have surged because citizens are fed up with what partisan politics have brought the country; they are fed up with corruption," he told reporters before casting his ballot. 'The country needs change' Speaking to AFP, Dolores De Gracia said she would vote for Lombana "because in truth I'm looking for a change, this country needs a change. I trust him and I hope the corruption will end." In recent days, Lombana had gotten a boost from the public backing of singer Ruben Blades, a legend of salsa. While Blades did not mention Lombana by name, it was clear he was referring to the outsider candidate when he called on voters to pick an independent candidate promising constitutional reform in a bid to end corruption. "If our country continues with these corrupt institutions, it will explode," said Blades, predicting that would lead to "violent reactions." Blades is no political novice himself, having run unsuccessfully for president in 1994 and held the position of tourism minister from 2004-2009. - Inequality and high costs - Roux, 54, is a former chairman of the Panama Canal Authority and had tried to appeal to Panamanians who have struggled with inequality and high living costs, as well as a health and welfare crisis, despite a growing economy. In his campaign, Roux was keen to point to the economic achievements under the now-jailed former president Ricardo Martinelli when he was foreign minister. He has also managed to remain untainted by the multiple corruption accusations leveled against Martinelli, president from 2009-2014, that have seen the 67-year-old jailed while awaiting trial. In addition to the president, Panamanians voted to elect 71 deputies, 81 mayors and 700 local lawmakers. It was the sixth presidential election since the United States' 1989 invasion to overthrow the Manuel Noriega dictatorship.

Panama's Cortizo declares victory in presidential vote