Health officials have mobilized to combat an outbreak of dengue fever in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro after 49 people have been confirmed dead from the disease. Approximately 36,000 citizens of the city of Rio de Janeiro have been infected so far this year, while it has been reported that several hospitals have been “overwhelmed” with sick patients. The metropolis’ Health Secretary has even gone as far as to describe the outbreak as “an epidemic”.In response to the growing public outcry for help, Brazil’s government has offered military assistance:
The defense minister has said the plans could involve setting up military hospitals in the areas which have been worst affected.
There has been growing criticism of the authorities for their handling of the crisis, with the local doctors' union urging prosecutors to charge officials with criminal negligence.
Although [Defense Minister Nelson] Jobim did not apportion blame to any specific authority, he said there had been what he called a "leniency in the campaign against dengue" and because of this, "we are now paying the price", he added.
Earlier this year, a dengue outbreak in Paraguay killed three while the disease infected over 35,000 Costa Ricans in 2005.
Sources- The Latin Americanist, Xinhua, Reuters, BBC News
Image- AFP (“A doctor and people coming for a clinic test walk inside the Lourenço Jorge Hospital.”)
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