RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (BDCi) – The approach of summer in Rio De Janeiro is known to bring an increase of dengue fever.
Early 2011 reports have 5,5000 cases in the South Zone alone and now the Municipal Secretary of Health and Civil Defense is stepping up preventative campaigns to battle an epidemic in 2012.
The disease is spread by a Aedes aegypti mosquito and in moderate cases causes high fever, joint pain and rashes. The more serious dengue haemorrhagic fever can lead to circulatory failure and death.
Rio state Secretary of Health Sergio Cortes admitted on Monday that Rio de Janeiro faces a new dengue epidemic. Since the beginning of 2011 there were 160,000 cases of dengue fever and 131 deaths in the country.
The city reports having over 3,000 personnel who work as so-called ‘dengue agents,’ visiting residences and businesses to seek out possible breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Legislation makes it mandatory four houses and businesses to allow inspections. Local authorities can levy heavy fines on anyone who does not cooperate.
By: Natania Levine Courtesy: riotimesonline.com Photo: riotimesonline.com 20 October 2011
11:53 a.m P.D.T