Since 1st January over 54 people have died from Dengue fever in Rio de Janeiro with an additional 60 people under watch by medical authorities.

More than 57,000 people have contracted disease this year – nearly double the 25,107 cases reported in all of 2007, according to the Associated Press.

This week 1,200 soldiers from the armed forces will be deployed to set up three field hospitals, while an additional 500 will spray insecticide and place poison in standing puddles of water where the mosquitoes breed, according to Brazilian health care secretary Jose Noronha.

He said: "The number of deaths is totally above expectations that could be considered reasonable."

Locals have been enlisted in the fight against dengue. Over 2,000 citizens have been tasked with inspecting houses and destroying street waste.

"We have been collecting carafes, cups, all kinds of recipients where mosquitoes could reproduce," said Luiz Ventura, a volunteer who took part in the initiative.

The World Health Organization believes a death rate at or below 1% of the population is acceptable. In Rio just over 5% of cases result in death.

Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and currently has no vaccine.

Related

Gymnastics World Champ Diego Hypolito Confirmed With Dengue In Brazil (International Herald Tribune)

Dengue fever in Natal (Brazil Travel Blog)

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The U.S. consulate released the following statement regarding dengue fever.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus, which is transmitted by a mosquito (AEDES AEGYPTI). This mosquito is dark, with white stripes on its back and legs, and smaller than a common mosquito. These mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. The mosquito is considered a “day” mosquito. It bites during the day and likes warm, humid places.

Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever

After the infecting bite, dengue symptoms develop within 3 to 14 days (on average, 4 to 7 days). Victims typically experience a sudden high fever, headache, generalized weakness, and intense muscle, joint, and low back pain (hence the term, "break bone fever"). A subtle rash appears in up to half the people affected, although some have a bright red rash with scattered clear spots. Treatment is purely symptomatic. Dengue is usually self-limited, with an average duration of 6 days. Most persons with dengue do not need to be hospitalized, but those with persistent fever should seek medical attention as soon as possible

Hemorrhagic Dengue Fever (DHF): and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) are rare but severe forms of dengue that may occur in people who previously have been infected with one strain of dengue virus and are later infected by a different strain (there are 4 strains). DHF and DSS begin like classic dengue but progress to abdominal pain and vomiting. The most severe cases, if left untreated, can progress to bleeding at sites of minimal trauma, circulatory failure, shock, and death. DHF and DSS ordinarily affect only people who live in endemic areas, but there have been rare cases reported in travelers. Because of this, travelers who previously have had an episode of dengue fever and who will be re-entering a dengue-endemic area should be aware of the increased possibility of acquiring these severe forms of dengue and should seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear. Travelers with persistent fever should be seen by a healthcare professional. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, an abrupt change from fever to hypothermia with profuse sweating, extreme exhaustion, lethargy, or mental status changes signal the development of shock and require immediate intensive care level medical attention.

How can you prevent the disease?

There is no vaccine for Dengue. Prevention is based upon taking careful measures to reduce the possibility of mosquito bites. Travelers are strongly encouraged to wear light clothing which completely covers arms and legs, and to apply an effective insect repellant, such as those containing DEET, to exposed areas of skin. The control of Dengue epidemics is based upon reduction of the mosquito population. Dengue may be more likely to occur in urban setting due to drainage issues. Eliminating standing water in your home and environment including flower pots, tires, puddles, non-chlorinated pools, etc., and screening windows, and wearing insect repellent are strongly recommended.

For further information on Dengue Fever, see the Centers for Disease Control’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_dengue.htm