Rome (Fides Service) - At least 18 children have died and 10,000 people have been infected by the epidemic of rotavirus in Guatemala since last November. Now the virus has crossed the border to El Salvador where 18 cases have been registered and the local health care units are in a state of alarm preparing to treat patients through oral re-hydration.
This gastrointestinal disease is highly contagious and causes diarrhoea, vomiting and high fever. If untreated it can result in death due to dehydration. In normal situations the infection is not mortal but for children under 5 the risk of dehydration is higher.
The most affected areas are the capital, Guatemala City, and areas with a torrid climate such as Escuintla. Precarious living conditions of poor families facilitate the spread of intestinal and respiratory infections which, although curable, are the highest cause of infant mortality.
There is no medicine to prevent the infection but the health authorities say the virus is under control although more people will be infected for a few more weeks until the end of the incubation period. For people with no access to health care the Health Ministry has issued a remedy for a re-hydrating serum easy to prepare, which can save the lives many of children.

(AP) (26/2/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:23; Parole:265)

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