Dengue Epidemic Strikes Rio de Janeiro

Did you know that a dengue epidemic has claimed at least 54 lives in Rio De Janeiro state since January. That is what their health officials are saying. Their hospitals have reported a total of 114 deaths from the mosquito-borne disease. However, they are still investigating 60 of those cases. Brazilian Health Care Secretary, Jose Noronha, said that 1200 soldiers from the army, air force and navy would be deployed next week to set up three field hospitals, while an additional 500 would spray insecticide and place poison in standing puddles of water where the mosquitoes breed. This is a very serious epidemic.