18 die of dengue fever in E. Timor

18 die of dengue fever in E. Timor

DILI, East Timor: Dengue fever has killed at least 18 people
in the province since Jan. 18, and more than 200 others have been
treated for the disease in hospitals or public health centers.

Muharam, an official at the provincial health ministry office,
said here over the weekend that 223 people had received treatment
since January.

He said the health ministry's office here would continue to
carry out fumigation in all areas known to be prone to the spread
of the disease as a preventive measure.

Dengue is transmitted by the aedes mosquito, which breeds in
stagnant, dirty water.

Muharam urged people to keep their houses and surrounding
areas clean and remove water which could serve as breeding sites
for the mosquito, Antara reported. (rms)