Latest update: 04/04/2008 

Dengue fever spreads in Brazil
Dengue fever spreads in Brazil
Brazilian health officials say 67 people have died and more than 57,000 people have been infected in a Dengue fever outbreak in the state of Rio de Janeiro. No vaccine is currently available.

More than 57,000 people have been infected in a Dengue fever outbreak in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, with 67 fatalities recorded so far, regional health authorities said Wednesday.

The touristed city of Rio was worst hit by mosquito-borne epidemic, with 44 of the deaths and 36,600 of the infections occurring there.

Another 58 deaths are being investigated to see if they were caused by dengue fever, whose symptoms are high temperatures and muscle aches. In extreme cases, hemorrhage and death can follow.

Children are especially at risk.

No vaccine is yet commercially available.

Rio Governor Sergio Cabral said he may appeal to Cuba for doctors to help treat patients, many of whom have been sent to tent hospitals set up by the army to cope with the large number of people affected.

Around 1,200 military personnel have joined health service staff in fumigating areas that may contain mosquito colonies.
 

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