Dengue fever kills 66 people

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: At least 66 people in South Sumatra have died of dengue fever since early January, according to a local health official.

The head of the provincial health office, Deddy Ruswendi, was quoted by Antara as saying that 1,381 people have been infected by the disease.

Five regencies in the province -- Palembang, Muara Enim, Musi Banyuasin, Musi Rawas and Ogan Komering Ilir -- have been relatively prone to such outbreaks.

Deddy said Palembang, the provincial capital, recorded the highest number of deaths with 30, followed by Muara Enim with 13 deaths. (prb)