It is the latest casualty in an epidemic that has infected 15,000 people in January and February alone, compared to just 1,600 all last year. So far ten people have died.
There is speculation in the media regarding the exact death toll numbers with many doctors claiming the actual toll to be much higher. Leaders from the opposition party believe the actual number may be as high as 130,000 since not all infected Paraguayans seek professional treatment.
According to AP reports, a two-month national state of emergency has been declared in the country and officials have asked for complete fumigation of breeding areas for disease-spreading aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Additionally, the president has also asked the United States and Argentina to intervene into the matter and determine what types of dengue are present in the current epidemic. The unusually wet weather in central South America is a breeding ground for many mosquitoes.
The severest form hemorrhagic dengue causes a sudden high fever, rash, aches, weakness, restlessness and even internal bleeding. It is the one leading to death. However, the majority of the population suffer from classic dengue (called bone break fever) that causes fever, intense headaches, and joint and muscle pain.
Contrary to the popular belief, dengue is not a contagious disease. It is most common in Latin America with recent outbreaks reported in Peru, Brazil, Mexico and even Easter Island, Chile's possession in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
