Dengue fever strikes Taiwan

At least 163 people in Taiwan have come down with infectious dengue fever, adding to a growing epidemic made worse by rainy weather.

Of these cases, 105 were reported in southern Taiwan, China's official Xinhua news agency reported Wednesday, citing local media.

Local health officials said Kaohsiung City, Taiwan's second largest city, was hardest hit, with the disease reported in all 25 boroughs.

Dengue fever is found in tropic climates and spreads like malaria, transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.

Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pains and rashes, along with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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