DATELINE: 10th September 2001

DENGUE FEVER WARNING
Travellers to South East Asia, South America and the South Pacific are being warned over the prevalence of dengue fever, which has shown a sharp rise in infection rates worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation, countries particularly affected are Thailand, Venezuela and French Polynesia.
The fever, which is reported to have claimed more than 525 lives this year, is spread by mosquitos and produces flu-like symptoms. Rashes, a fever, headaches and joint and muscle pains may also occur.
Most victims recover within a week - the number of fatalities is put into perspective by the fact that infections this year in Venezuela and French Polynesia alone had reportedly totalled some 55,000 at the beginning of September. But in some cases internal bleeding can prove fatal.
No vaccine exists for the virus, and the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad recommends measures such as regular application of insect repellant and sleeping under protective shrouds.
Details - www.masta.org

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