According to the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, more than 12,000 cases of dengue have been reported in the first seven months of this year, an alarming 152% increase from the same period last year. Compounding the alarming statistic is the toll dengue has taken on young children in the country, with at least 22 reported deaths of children under the age of 15.
Dengue is a tropical disease that causes high fevers, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases can lead to hemorrhages and eventually death.
The Ministry of Health has released a statement outlining a plan to tackle the crisis, which includes fumigations, as well as increased hospital attention and cooperation between public and private institutions. Undersecretary of Civil Protection Walter Monroy has warned that stagnant water caused by the start of the second rainy season in September and October could create ideal “mosquito breeding grounds”.
The national emergency declaration for a period of three months is the country’s attempt to prevent the growth of the dengue epidemic. Benjamin Coma declared the measure as a necessary step in order to “work in a coordinated manner” and manage the crisis.
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