Dengue fever hits Malaysia
The Malaysian health minister, Chua Soi Lek, has issued a warning about the rise in cases of dengue fever in his country
Fatalities have reached 70 so far this year; last week, more than 700 cases were reported across the country.
Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted by the aedes mosquito, which bites during the day. Symptoms include high fever, blinding headaches and pains that explain why it used to be called “break-bone fever”. Although trials are under way, no vaccine exists.
The WHO reports a rise across the whole region, up 20% in the Philippines and 47% in Thailand. Singapore has had 10,000 cases and 10 deaths this year. Travellers in Southeast Asia should avoid being bitten by covering up and using effective insect repellents