Venezuela: Dengue cases up 42.8% over same period last

[Niko]

Venezuela's Health Ministry Wednesday reported 9,986 cases of non-fatal dengue fever in the year to Feb. 23, up 42.8 percent from the same period last year. The ministry's eighth epidemiological report documented 4,319 cases in the state of Zulia bordering Colombia - the largest number in any region. Lara state was the next worst hit, followed by Merida, Aragua and Miranda. Dengue is a serious infectious disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes, known in Venezuela as patas blancas (white feet) mosquitoes. The health authorities have asked people to keep away from stagnant water where the mosquitoes breed, and also to remove artifacts that may collect water from open areas like patios. Classic dengue often presents symptoms such as high fever, intense headaches, and joint and muscle pain. The more severe hemorrhagic form of dengue, which kills up to 20 percent of its victims, can cause sudden fever, rashes, easy bruising, aches, weakness, restlessness and possible bleeding of the gums and internal bleeding.

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