Snowy Owl
Retired in 2010, In Memoriam
Cuba contains dengue fever outbreak
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/health/4335279.html
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/health/4335279.html
HAVANA ? An epidemic of dengue fever that flooded hospitals and may have killed as many as 100 Cubans has been brought under control by a fumigation campaign.
The outbreak was the worst in a quarter of a century and appears to have afflicted thousands during its peak in September and October. Infections have slowed to a few dozen new cases this month, said a senior doctor familiar with the scope of the epidemic, who added that the response was initially slowed by government secrecy.
Caused by a mosquito-borne virus, dengue produces flu-like symptoms, including fever. It occurs in most tropical areas.
The physician complained about the veil initially imposed by Communist Party officials. The ostensible purpose was to avoid panicking the public, but the demand that the epidemic be treated as a confidential security matter was strongest when preparations were under way for the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Havana. That gathering of Third World leaders brought 3,000 foreign visitors Sept. 11-16.
Cuba's Public Health Ministry subsequently confirmed the outbreak.
The outbreak was the worst in a quarter of a century and appears to have afflicted thousands during its peak in September and October. Infections have slowed to a few dozen new cases this month, said a senior doctor familiar with the scope of the epidemic, who added that the response was initially slowed by government secrecy.
Caused by a mosquito-borne virus, dengue produces flu-like symptoms, including fever. It occurs in most tropical areas.
The physician complained about the veil initially imposed by Communist Party officials. The ostensible purpose was to avoid panicking the public, but the demand that the epidemic be treated as a confidential security matter was strongest when preparations were under way for the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Havana. That gathering of Third World leaders brought 3,000 foreign visitors Sept. 11-16.
Cuba's Public Health Ministry subsequently confirmed the outbreak.