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)

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

In a continent where Catholicism dominates, it is unsurprising that carnaval is a huge deal in South America.

Traditionally, carnaval is a period for people of the Catholic faith to let their hair down and enjoy the vices they are going to be giving up for the 40 days of Lent. Nowadays the religious roots of carnaval are arguably taking more of a back seat, meaning that carnaval typically extends well into the Lenten period. It is not uncommon for festivities to take place throughout the first three months of each new year.

This can only spell good news for us; while the traditional peak of carnaval remains the weekend before the commencement of Lent, there is still ample opportunity to carry on the celebrations which will continue to sweep across the continent throughout February and March.

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Click to view slideshow – Photos by Kate Stanworth, Pia Canello, Diogo Dubiela and Marianna Davis

Argentina’s biggest and brightest carnaval takes place in Gualeguaychú, situated in the Entre Rios province 3 hours north of Buenos Aires. Gualeguaychú is a shining example of a city that has adopted the extended carnaval period, this year beginning on 5th January and stretching on until the 1st March.

Carnaval at Gualeguaychú is particularly special, with an energy that is uncontrollable as well as contagious.

The small, greyish city becomes awash with colour and buoyancy as the visitors who descend upon the city overwhelm its 74,000 inhabitants. Led by the comparsas, these large groups of performers will parade through Gualeguaychú every Saturday from 10.30pm until early in the morning. Gifted dancers in elaborate and ostentatious drapery are followed through the streets by equally flamboyantly-clad musicians, belting out samba and Batucada beats from magnificently adorned floats. Batacuda, a substyle of samba, is an African-influenced Brazilian percussive style, characterised by its fast pace and repetitive style. Racy and evocative dancing is in the script, so be prepared for a good flirt!

Photo By: Diogo Dubiela

The fact that these comprasas are in competition with each other guarantees a performance set to enthuse, uplift and liberate dazzled revellers. Each weekend, their costumes, floats, music, dance and level of spectacle are scrutinised by a panel of judges, and a winner declared.

For a comprehensive guide to the carnaval, including information regarding entrance prices and travel options, visit the official website, www.carnavaldelpais.com.ar .

Entre Ríos’ tourist board’s website also provides useful supplementary information, and can be found at www.entrerios.gov.ar/turismo/ .

Where Else in Argentina?

Many of the towns in Argentina’s north-western province Jujuy offer an extensive carnaval programme throughout February.

The province’s biggest carnaval celebrations are held between 17th and 25th February. For the first three days, participants of carnaval will follow the all-singing, all-dancing comparsas around a number of towns in the province, in a ceremony known as ‘desentierro del carnaval’ (the exhumation of the carnaval). The party will continue until 25th February, when during the last two days, known as ‘Carnaval Chico’, the ceremony of ‘the burial’ of carnaval is held.

In addition to the celebrations in Humahuaca, shows, conferences, exhibitions and artisan fairs are held throughout the month. Local delicacies are particularly important in Jujuy, so great food is always on offer!

Photo By: Marianna Davis

Carnaval Around the Continent

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Carnaval Capital

Rio de Janeiro is widely regarded as the carnaval capital, and attracts well over half a million visitors from around the globe each year.

For Brazilians, Rio is as much about educating people about the culture of their diverse country, as it is about euphoria, dance and celebration.

Every February, carnaval consumes the city, with parties descending upon every street, square and bar across the city.

People from Rio’s favelas, are one of the most involved groups in the celebrations. They view the period as a time to forget about their daily hardships and have as much fun as possible. Carnaval in Rio is described as “something that comes deep from the fun-loving soul of the Rio people, and a demonstration of life, and of passion.”

Photo By: Diogo Dubiela

Involved in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Salavdor is billed as the world’s greatest street carnaval, and it contains a level of crowd participation that Rio is sometimes accused of lacking.

A massive two million people join the city’s street celebrations every year, partying along to the samba reggae music, which infamously accompanies the celebrations.

The Salvador carnaval is perhaps best known for the ‘TrioEléctrico’, a concept which has been adopted by numerous carnavals throughout Brazil: A specially-adapted lorry tours the city, providing the stage for musicians to blast out local genres from the huge speakers on board – the crowd follows, singing and dancing in its trail.

Up ’n’ Coming – Oruro, Bolivia

While the carnavals in Brazil may be the most famous in the world, they are not necessarily superior. ‘La Diablada’ carnaval in the western Bolivian city of Oruro is currently enjoying yet another successful carnaval season, reaffirming its status as one of the most vivacious carnavals emerging in the world today.

The religious-pagan syncretism is one of the most notable themes of carnaval in Oruro, with people dressed as angels juxtaposed with devils and demons. A true sense of Bolivian folklore is very much alive, and is presented by Bolivians themselves, who unite regardless of their age, social class and political persuasion

Visiting relatives in Porto Alegre, in the deep deep south of Brazil, I decided on a whim to stop by a city that everyone had told me about, yet of which I knew nothing: Florianópolis.

[photoxhibit=11]Click to view slide show – Photos by Sam Katterfield

Arriving alone and under cover of night at the bus station (which is never the nicest place in Brazil to be), I began to think I had committed a grave error. Little did I know that in Florianópolis (or Floripa as it’s affectionately known by locals) I would find some of the nicest scenery, best beaches and friendliest company in all of Brazil.

Beaches

Situated on an island, the city of Florianópolis gives the visitor spectacular seaside possibilities in a small area, providing something for all tastes. The signs written in Spanish are a nod to the fact that beaches such as Canasvieras and Praia dos Ingleses are very popular with Argentine and Uruguayan tourists in the summer. Along with fellow northern beaches such as Jurerê, Praia Brava and Daniela, this part of the island is the most developed, with plenty of hotels, restaurants and other amenities for the discerning tourist.

Photo By: Sam Katterfield

Some of the best surfing in all of Brazil is to be found on the eastern beaches of Campeche, Mole and Moçambique. Florianópolis is blessed with some of the finest and most consistent waves in the country and for the past four years the city has been host to what is currently the only South American stop on the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Tour.

Further south, Armação and Morro das Pedras beaches are less crowded and developed; providing a respite from the beach vendors selling hammocks, porn and sun-block. I took the time to confess my past and future sins at Sant’Anna church on Armação; historically where local whale harpooners and fishermen would attend mass before setting sail. However if you really want to get away from it all, try the southern coast beaches of Lagoinha do Leste or Naufragados. These isolated, unspoilt spots can only be accessed by footpath.

Getting Around

Despite being a relatively small island, it can take a substantial amount of time to get around. For example, to get from Armação in the south to Praia dos Ingleses in the north took three buses and most of the afternoon. Despite this, or maybe because of it, in Florianópolis you’ll see something you won’t see in the rest of Brazil: people queuing for transport!

Photo By: Laura Trythall

If there are enough of you in your group and your funds can provide, it’s worth renting a car. Otherwise, you have two choices: stay in the centre of city, a little way from the beaches, and retain the ability to visit a different one everyday (from the centre you can catch the yellow ‘executive’ buses directly to the popular points on the island for R$4.50). If not, choose to stay right on your preferred beach and content yourself to not move too far.

Food, Drink and Culture

Florianópolis was initially populated by immigrants from the Portuguese archipelago of the Açores. Today the influence of the Açores is most keenly felt by the tourist in the comida açoriana that dominates the local cuisine. A city on the sea that was built by whalers and fishermen is clearly going to feast on seafood, and one item of gastronomy that is unique to Florianópolis is Seqüência de Camarão. The traditional Seqüência is more of a set meal of several courses for two people, so invite that nice local you met on the beach. Depending on the restaurant you’ll receive shrimp prepared in various ways, crab, grilled fish and possibly oysters or shellfish. It’s served with pirão as an accompaniment; an bland fish sauce that oddly works well with seafood.

The more recent arrival of large numbers of Italian and German immigrants has had a noticeable influence on the area, as seen in the high quality Italian restaurants to be found on the north of the island. In terms of nightlife, Lagoa da Conceição is the place to start, as it’s bars and clubs are open year round. Those warm bar-hopping Brazilians are always up for a chat, and are impressed to meet a foreigner who can speak even a couple of words of Portuguese. Consult the website listed at the end to find out the latest on what’s happening in Florianópolis.

Photo By: Sam Katterfield

All in all, Florianópolis is more of a trek than Mar del Plata and Pinamar, with taking a flight a necessity, but such beautiful scenery, beautiful people and a wide range of beach possibilities in such a small area make the trip vastly worthwhile.

Further Information:

bar do Arante, Florianópolis (BrazilTravelBlog)
www.mapia.com.br/florianopolis
www.guiafloripa.com.br

The WHO has sent 2m vaccines to Paraguay to combat the first yellow fever outbreak in 34 years.

Thus far 12 people in Brazil and nine people in Paraguay are believed to have contracted the disease. Authorities in Paraguay say eight people have died, in addition to three in Brazil.

Health officials recommend that travellers to northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil receive a vaccine ten days before travelling.

Colombian rebels free four hostages

After six years in captivity, Colombian rebels released four hostages in a deal brokered by Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez.

The rebels are using the hostages as collateral to force the government to remove their name from a list of terrorist organisations. The militia is also keeping hostages to convince the government to release imprisoned guerrilla fighters.

The former hostages have pressured president Chávez to secure the release of Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, who has gained publicity after a disturbing video of her condition was released last year.

Gloria Polanco one of the former captives said of Betancourt, “she is very ill…she has recurrent hepatitis B and is near the end.”

Ecuadorian government promises further protection

The Ecuadorian government has sent a taskforce to the east of the country in an effort to protect the isolated, indigenous tribes that reside in the Amazon.

The local Taromenane and Tagaeri tribes have often complained of abuses and deforestation, and recent reports of the killing of several indigenous people by illegal loggers received worldwide attention.

Initially the government had said the region was too remote for their personnel to investigate, however it has now been announced that a group consisting of 24 soldiers, twelve police officers and a technical team designated by the Ministry of the Environment will be sent to the area.

They will be charged with preventing illegal exploitation of the rainforest and abuses against indigenous tribes, and will be able to call on the back up of the armed forces and the national police.

Air and boat disasters leave 72 dead in Brazil, Venezuela, Chile

A passenger ship sank on the Amazon river during the night of 20th February, leaving 16 people dead. The Almirante Monteiro, which was heading for Brazilian city of Manaus, struck a commercial barge travelling in the opposite direction.

The next day, a Venezuelan aeroplane crashed near the city of Mérida, 500km southwest of Caracas, leaving all 46 passengers and crew dead.

A light aircraft belonging to the Chilean police crashed 27th February, leaving ten people dead and five seriously injured. The plane crashed into a Santiago park where families were practising gymnastics, resulting in the deaths of the six passengers, and three women and a child on the ground.

Guatemalan hostages released

A rebellion of farmers released 29 police officers 32 hours after they had been taken hostage in the Caribbean costal town of Livingston.

The mob sought the release of farm leader Ramiro Choc, who was incarcerated on 14th February for illegal land invasion, robbery and illegally holding people against their will.

The mob surrounded the police station and disarmed the officers on 21st February before taking the captives to the remote village of Maya Creek, threatening to kill the officers if Choc was not freed.

The leader had allegedly incited community residents to invade land including protected nature reserves, however, the group claims they have occupied the land for over a decade.

The group released the officers after the government consented to negotiate a legalised land agreement and discuss Choc’s liberation. The government has promised to fly three representatives to Guatemala City to begin the negotiations.

Drug traffickers in Mexico City attempt to car bomb police officials.

Fidel Castro announces his resignation , ending the longest uninterrupted reign of any modern world leader. Fidel’s Cuba in Facts & Figures .

Bolivia experiences massive floods leaving 48,000 homeless and officials fearing that their provincial capital will be cut off from supplies.