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7,000 infected in Bolivia dengue fever outbreak
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by Marisa Olivia | February 3, 2009 at 11:41 am
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Bolivia is currently seeing its worst outbreak of dengue fever in 22 years.
The outbreak has already killed five people in the east of the country and infected more than 7,000.
The region of Santa Cruz, in the tropical lowlands and mostly covered by rainforests, is the worst hit so far.
Mortality from dengue fever is typically around 5%, but can increase dramatically if left untreated. Those who have already had dengue fever once, and survived, can be much worse affected if infected a second time.
The government has declared a health emergency, amid greater strains on a health care system already in crisis.
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Marisa Olivia
Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 19:45 on February 3rd, 2009
Dengue is a virus spread by mosquitoes, typically found in the tropics. The virus is in the same family as Hepatitis C and West Nile.
It is manifested by a sudden onset of severe headache, muscle and joint pains, fever and rash. The dengue rash is characteristically bright red petechiae.
Treatment is supportive care for hemorrhagic tendencies, and fluids to prevent dehydration.
There is no vaccine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever
at 19:48 on February 3rd, 2009
Also see related story in which an outbreak was reported in Baja, CA, in Dec/08.
http://my.nowpublic.com/health/hemorrhagic-dengue-alert-baja-california-sur-mexico
at 19:50 on February 3rd, 2009
Thank you for informing us, Marisa. Certainly a health emergency in that area.