No letup in dengue epidemic; 12 deaths thus far

Santiago.- Grullon Children’s Hospital director Dr. Rosa Maria Morel reports 24 children hospitalized in recent days with dengue symptoms remain in stable condition, but noted that cases have increased in the last two months.

Quoted by diariolibre.com, the official said the children come referred from Montecristi, Tamboril, Esperanza, Navarrete and other northwest towns, where trash collection is poor and where mosquitos breed.

Morel said most patients are admitted show "warning signs of the disease" such as fever, headaches and abdominal pain due to water retention.

In Santo Domingo’s Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital yesterday 18 children were admitted to the dengue unit, while the Santo Socorro hospital had eight.

Official figures show the dengue epidemic has sickened more than 5,000 people, including 12 deaths thus far.

Experts advise parents to use a mosquito net, especially in the day to prevent mosquito bites.