Dengue fever in Central Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: Health authorities are warning of a dengue fever epidemic in northern coastal areas where drainage systems are a problem.

The chief of the provincial office of health, Yunita R. Soewondo, said that the increasing number of people being admitted to hospitals for dengue fever indicates that an epidemic is looming.

"Although no deaths have been reported, people should be wary of the strong possibility of an epidemic," she told Antara.

Dengue fever virus is carried by aedes agypte mosquitoes which, unlike ordinary mosquitoes, bite during the daylight. (pan)