Govt warns of dengue outbreak

Govt warns of dengue outbreak

JAKARTA: Officials issued a warning on Monday over the
possibility of a dengue fever outbreak in North Jakarta next
month.

The head of the municipality's health agency, Aritha Herawati,
told the City Hall's press publication Info Ibukota that Governor
Sutiyoso planned to introduce a campaign against the Aedes
aegypti mosquito -- the host of the dengue fever virus.

She failed to elaborate on why exactly officials were
concerned over a possible outbreak in North Jakarta.

However, the government has repeatedly issued warnings ahead
of the rainy season, which is expected to begin in September. The
Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds during the wet season in standing
water.

The City Health Agency has recorded about 18,000 cases of
dengue fever this year as of May, with about 82 deaths, mostly
children. -- JP