The number of dengue fever cases in the South American country has increased by 37 percent in 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, according to an El Universal report Wednesday.
During the first 18 weeks of 2014, Venezuela has recorded 21,360 cases nationwide, while only reporting 15,582 during the same period last year.
Even more dramatic, is the increase in cases in the capital city of Caracas. Since the beginning of the year, Caracas has seen 971 cases. This is up 766 cases, or 374 percent, compared to last year.
Venezuela reported in excess of 56,000 dengue cases in all of 2013. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne, potentially fatal disease that affects between 50 and 100 million people in tropical and subtropical regions every year, causing fever and muscle and joint aches.
According to the World Health Organization, Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are present in urban and suburban areas in the Americas, South-East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Pacific and dengue fever is present mainly in rural areas in Africa.
