Four children die of dengue

Four children die of dengue

SEMARANG, Central Java: Dengue fever has hit Tegal and Wonogiri, killing at least four children and hospitalizing dozens of others over the past week, an official said yesterday.

The administrations of the two regencies have sent medical personnel and supplies to the stricken areas to help curb the disease, spokesman for the provincial health office Susilo Resmi said.

"The officials will also collect data on the actual number of victims," he told journalists. He added that three of the fatalities occurred in Tegal.

Heavy rains and widespread flooding, especially in northern coastal areas, may worsen the situation, he added.

In Wonogiri, he said, the general hospital was overwhelmed with patients and many have had to be rushed to hospitals in Surakarta. (har/pan)