Dengue fever outbreak in Paraguay

Los Angeles Times Staff — Concern is rising about an outbreak of dengue fever, which has killed at least 10 people in Paraguay and infected more than 15,000 there. In a public announcement, the State Department last week said, “Americans traveling to Paraguay, particularly Asuncion, may wish to defer travel for the time being.”

Brazil and Bolivia have declared alerts, and Argentine officials are cautioning residents. Authorities blamed unusually wet and warm weather, which has led to a proliferation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Dengue fever causes headaches and muscle and joint pain; virulent strains can lead to death.