Health authorities launch dengue fever campaign
Print Edition
HEALTH authorities have launched a campaign to fight dengue fever as China suffers its worst outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in 20 years.
The National Health and Family Planning Commission said that 13,965 dengue fever cases have been reported this year, with the mosquito population five times its normal level due to hot and wet weather in south China.
The commission called for efforts to cut the mosquito population, including sealing puddles of stagnant water, common breeding grounds for the insects. It also suggested people wear trousers and long sleeves to cover their skin.
In addition to the unusual weather, authorities believe that another factor in the outbreak is cases contracted abroad.
The commission also warned of the risk of contracting the lethal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and urged those traveling to the Middle East to take precautions and seek early medical treatment in the case of any illness.
South China’s Guangdong Province reported 1,587 new cases of dengue on Monday, bringing the total number of cases to 13,449, local health authorities said yesterday.
A total of 11,309 cases have been reported in the provincial capital Guangzhou. Foshan, a manufacturing city, reported 1,389 cases, while Shenzhen reported 36 cases.
As of Monday, 19 out of 21 prefecture-level cities had reported dengue fever cases. Four fatalities have been reported so far, three in Guangzhou and one in Foshan.
Only 694 dengue fever cases were reported in Guangdong this time last year.
Dengue fever, a viral infection, mostly affects tropical and sub-tropical regions. Symptoms include fever, nausea, rashes, backache and headaches. A variant which causes severe internal bleeding is often fatal.
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