Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The health authorities in northern Colombia are on the alert after at least 57 people have been infected and one person died in an outbreak of Dengue haemorrhagic fever carried by infected mosquitoes.
A four year old girl was the first patient to die. Following the child’s death in Aguachica in the northern Cesar province and a local health alert the procinvial health authorities started a disinfecting campaign to prevent further outbreaks of the insect carried disease.
The haemorrhagic form of Dengue can be lethal, but with quick diagnosis it can be treated with hydration therapy and fluids.
(AP) (28/6/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:13; Parole:139)
