![]() ![]() The epidemic is so serious that dengue fever has replaced malaria as the most important mosquito-borne viral infection in the world. What's more, most regional health departments often adopt a "crisis mentality" - acting only when the outbreak is at emergency levels - rather than developing preventative programs that will keep infection transmission at bay. The region's rapid economic growth, which has spawned massive building, has much to do with the outbreak construction sites with stagnant pools are ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes.ĭengue is on the rise in Asia because more and more people are moving into urban centers, and construction of suitable waste-water systems is lagging behind. It is most common in areas with poor water storage and sewage systems, and only inhabits tropical and sub-tropical countries. The dengue fever virus is most often carried by one species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti it bites during the daylight hours and breeds in urban areas. Malaysia's Health Ministry announced a 25% increase in the first six months of this year compared with the same period in 1995. ![]() Manila's San Lazaro Hospital has reported a 363% increase in the number of cases since last year. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have reported increases of the viral infection that first appeared in Southeast Asia in the 1950s and became a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children by 1975. Unfortunately, dengue outbreaks are on the rise. Fortunately, the more common non-hemorrhagic strain of dengue fever causes only mild symptoms including fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and the appearance of a bright red rash. Dengue hemorrhagic fever interferes in the blood's clotting mechanisms, and causes spontaneous bleeding from the skin, gums, and the gastrointestinal tract. I T MAY BE HARD to believe, but one tiny mosquito bite can turn your insides to pulp. ![]() ![]() From Our Correspondent: Hirohito and the WarĪ conversation with biographer Herbert Bixįrom Our Correspondent: A Rough Road Aheadīad news for the Philippines - and some others ![]()
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