Dengue Epidemic in Rio

Rio de Janeiro declares dengue epidemic after diagnosing more than 50,000 cases of the mosquito-borne infection.

"We have a plan focused on the epidemic and we continue to be in a state of alert," Hans Dohmann, the city's health secretary, said late Tuesday, adding that the number of cases had surpassed 300 per 100,000 residents per month.

About Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general information about Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

State-run Agencia Brasil meanwhile reported that 517 people had been struck with the disease last week alone.

The state of Rio de Janeiro has reported a total of 64,423 confirmed cases thus far this year, with 13 deaths, 12 in the city itself.

Last year authorities recorded 168,242 cases and 140 deaths.

Dengue and Dengue Fever - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, joint & muscle ache, fatigue, nausea and skin rash.

Dengue is caused by any one of four viruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, skin rash and mild bleeding. In its advanced stage the disease causes hemorrhages.

Achilles Heel of Dengue Virus Identified
The region in dengue virus that is neutralized in people who overcome infection with the deadly pathogen has been discovered by researchers.

The World Health Organization estimates there are 50-100 million dengue infections worldwide each year.

Source-AFP

Mathematical Models To Curb Dengue Developed in Cuba
Cuba has developed mathematical models to help fight dengue, a media report said Friday.