An outbreak of dengue fever in Mexico has health officials here in Texas keeping a watchful eye across the border.
More than 100 people have been infected in the southern state of Morelos. Several people have the hemorrhagic strain of the disease that causes bleeding and, if untreated, possibly death. To prevent the spread of the disease, health workers need to enlist the help of the residents.
Oswaldo Zambrano, dengue fever prevention program director, says the enemy lives among them. He warns residents that they are providing a safe haven for the mosquitoes that carry dengue fever.
Many homes have standing water, which provides a perfect breeding ground for infected mosquitoes. A chemical that is safe for human and animal consumption must be mixed into the water to prevent new infestations.
The movement of people poses another challenge. If someone from an area where there's been an outbreak of dengue fever travels to another place, that person can be bitten by mosquitoes in the new location and the infection will spread.
Thus, it is critical to control the disease in every region of Mexico and reach every home during the rainy season. And if you're planning a trip to an area of Mexico where there's outbreak, use mosquito repellant.