Dengue Outbreak

Undead

Dengue fever worsens in Bolivia
A boy stands on a bike as officials of the departmental health services fumigate during a campaign against Dengue fever in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Bolivian health authorities hope fumigation will help

Bolivia is facing the worst outbreak of dengue fever in its history.

The mosquito-transmitted infection has killed 18 people and infected 31,000 around the country, according to the Bolivian Health Ministry.

The infection is widespread in the tropical eastern lowlands, where the conditions allow mosquitoes to thrive.

Bolivia's healthcare services are struggling to cope and experts from Venezuela, Cuba, Paraguay and the World Health Organisation have come to help.

For the past four weeks, since the national health authorities declared an emergency, the government has allocated funds to supply the hospitals and step up fumigation, but many accuse the authorities of being too slow to take action.

However, according to health authorities, they are expecting to cut the disease's transmission chain in some regions by the end of the month.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan has announced a plan to send 7 million yen in emergency relief goods to Bolivia since the scope of the outbreak became a national emergency.

Mosquito-borne infection

Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes which thrive in the high temperatures and humidity of the Bolivian lowlands.

There is no vaccine for the infection and it is associated with flu-like symptoms: severe headaches, fevers and joint pain. Those suffering from dengue fever are advised to drink plenty of fluids and rest.

On 20 February, the Pan American Health Organization reported 80 cases of the lethal dengue hemorrhagic fever in Bolivia since the beginning of the year, of which they were reporting a 22% fatality rate.

Those suffering from dengue fever have about a 1% chance of progressing to dengue hemorrhagic fever, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms for progression to dengue hemorrhagic fever include hypothermia, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and confusion.

The global average case-fatality ratio for dengue hemorrhagic fever is 5%, the CDC reports, adding that fatalities can be kept below 1% with proper medical care.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7912677.stm

Dengue fever can cause severe pain in the bones, muscles and joints, and because of this is also known as 'breakbone fever'.

Most cases of dengue fever don’t lead to any permanent harm, but in a small percentage of cases there are complications. The virus can cause blood vessels to become leaky, leading to haemorrhage or bleeding from the gums, nose and various organs, along with clotting problems.

That last bit sounds a tad bit Solanum-ish.

Indeed, we need to keep a sharp eye out for any potential outbreaks. Remember that you may also need to read beyond what the media are reporting, in case of a government cover-up!

dara95

im sorry guys we're going to have to nuke bolivia!!!
im sad to say this but its the only way!! please stay in your houses as we dont know how far the infection has spread and one of the infected could have left the country!! we dont know if any one has came to ireland so all borders have been shut down! please i beg of you dont open the door and dont go outside! And most of all do not i repeat do not panic!!!