According to the report from Brazil’s Health officials, nearly 700 people have died so far this year after contracting dengue fever, the deadly mosquito-borne disease running rampant across Central and South America. Most of the deaths occurred in Sao Paulo state. The actual number of fatalities is presumably higher, since the official figure reflects deaths in Brazil from dengue from the beginning of the year just through the end of August.

Facts About Dengue (WHO)

• Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection.
• The infection causes flu-like illness, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue.
• The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades.
• About half of the world’s population is now at risk.
• Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
• Severe dengue is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children in some Asian and Latin American countries.
• There is no specific treatment for dengue/ severe dengue, but early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1%.
• Dengue prevention and control solely depends on effective vector control measures.

Test Your GK

World Malaria Day is observed on