7,000 infected in Bolivia dengue fever outbreak

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Mosquito | Photo 02

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uploaded by Marisa Olivia

Bolivia is currently seeing its worst outbreak of dengue fever in 22 years. 

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.