PAPE'ETE, Tahiti, French Polynesia (10 July 2001) -- The mosquito-borne dengue fever epidemic that broke out earlier this year in French Polynesia is now showing signs of easing. Health department officials reported that the epidemic, which had particularly affected the tourist islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora, now appears to be under control. Since the beginning of the year, 1,018 confirmed dengue cases have been reported, 468 of which have resulted in hospital admission. Two children died. The department's statistical report also pointed out that so-called "confirmed" cases usually represent only "5 to 10" percent of the real number of cases. Both residents and visitors continue to be warned to use mosquito repellants to avoid being infected. | | Tahiti's dengue epidemic worst ever Officials also recommend that residents clean up of all potential mosquito breeding sites, adding that "Parents and guardians in holiday camps should be watchful of any symptom of fever or stomach pain that would last longer than three or four days," as they could be symptoms of dengue fever. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
