Dengue: a serious flu-like illness transmitted by mosquitoes

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Deadly disease major threat to global public health

By Ania Lichtarowicz Health reporter, BBC News

The number of cases of a deadly parasitic disease has more than doubled in the

last decade, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dengue outbreaks

are now a major threat to global public health.

The UN health agency warned that unless countries act now then the situation

will only get worse.

Two fifths of the world's population are at risk of the disease, with the

majority living in the Asia Pacific region.

Cases double

Dengue is a serious flu-like illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes, and can

develop into dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

The disease is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito.

The WHO has warned that the increased number and size of dengue outbreaks in

some countries in the Western Pacific region, as well as cases recorded in

previously unaffected areas, are signs that firmer action cannot be delayed...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11551919