Bolivia (MNN) — In January, the number of people infected with Dengue fever spiked about 900 percent in two weeks' time, according to a Bolivian newspaper.
The country is facing a Dengue fever outbreak, which has claimed five lives so far and infected over 7,000. Government officials have declared a health emergency, and the region of Santa Cruz appears to be the worst hit. A severe complication of the disease affects children primarily, and the staff of Compassion International is assisting centers in preventing further spread of the virus.
So far, 147 Compassion children are being treated for Dengue fever. Two children are infected with DHF–the more severe form of Dengue; 10 children have been hospitalized. Compassion Bolivia staff is assisting centers to prevent further spread of the disease by educating families about Dengue. The staff is also taking measures to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, fumigating buildings, and checking on children who have missed center activities
Public reports indicate that government officials consider this outbreak the worst that Bolivia has faced in many years. Suspected cases of infection have climbed beyond 7,000, and more than a dozen cases of DHF have been reported. DHF symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and bleeding. According to BBC News, Bolivia is facing the "worst outbreak of Dengue fever for 22 years."
The World Health Organization says that dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying one of the four dengue viruses and occurs in tropical and subtropical parts of the world.
Bolivia battles cases of dengue fever every year, and they spike during the country's rainy season, which lasts from November to March. According to the WHO, symptoms appearing between 3 and 14 days after the bite include mild-to-high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and a rash. The disease can't be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, and mosquitoes that carry dengue usually breed near humans.
Troops were dispatched to help in combating the disease, supplying 2.5 tons of insecticide. The government is also providing mosquito nets, fumigation equipment, and medical treatment for the infected. Compassion asks that you cover infected children with your prayers. Pray for God's protection over children who are not infected and for an end to the outbreak .
