The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Costa Rica’s President Laura Chinchilla promised that health authorities will not lower their guard in the fight against dengue virus that has affected 17,000 people in Costa Rica so far this year.
The president visited the town of Parrita, Puntarenas province (Central Pacific), one of the areas most affected by dengue, where she said her government will continue a strong fight against dengue.
A statement by the administration indicated that Chinchilla considers dengue a great threat and health officials are doing their best even though people are complaining about the constant revisions in their homes in search of eradicating mosquito breeding sites.
According to the Ministry of Health, so far this year there have been 17,000 cases of dengue across the country, representing growth of nearly 300% compared to the same period last year.
So far the authorities said three people died because of the disease.
Dengue causes fever, body aches and even death in its most aggressive variety.
During 2012, in Costa Rica there were 26,808 cases, representing almost double the 13,854 patients, 2011.
The years in which more cases of dengue occurred in the history of Costa Rica was 2005 with 37,214 patients, followed by 36,351 in 2010 and 28,687 in 2007.
Last year dengue virus caused cost 9.5 million between hospitalizations, disabilities and medical consultations, to the state health system.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
