Dengue Epidemic Hits Angola

For the first time, an epidemic of dengue fever has broken out in oil-rich Angola, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The outbreak hit the capital Luanda and surrounding areas, WHO country representative Hernando Agudelo Ospina told AFP.

About Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general information about Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

"Since March, Angolan authorities have recorded 128 cases of dengue fever in Luanda province, the first time an epidemic of this disease has hit the country," he said.

"The government has taken the necessary measures to stem the epidemic."

Fumigations are underway and research has begun to identify the strain of the mosquito-borne virus, he said.

Dengue and Dengue Fever - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, joint & muscle ache, fatigue, nausea and skin rash.

While the disease is endemic to Angola, there are no records of an epidemic in the country.

The WHO warned in January that the mosquito-borne disease had global "epidemic potential", saying it had registered a 30-fold increase in the last 50 years to two million cases annually, due to climate change and increased travel.

About Mosquito Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, filaria, dengue, etc are common in places conducive of mosquito breeding. Swamps, ponds and stagnated drainage provide optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Dengue causes high fever, headaches, itching and joint pains. At an advanced stage it can lead to haemorrhaging and death.

The illness affects between 50 and 100 million people in the tropics and subtropics each year, resulting in fever, muscle and joint ache.

Quiz on Dengue
Dengue is an endemic problem in several countries including India. Check if you know enough about this deadly disease by taking this quiz.

Source-AFP