WHO alerts India on dengue

Concerned over the outbreak of dengue fever in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, the World Health Organisation has told India to be on an alert.

"As dengue fever is extending to new areas, the government needs to intensify control measures so as to reduce the chances of outbreaks and for better case management to save lives," WHO's regional director for South East Asia Dr Samlee Plianbangchang said in a release in Delhi.

The medical community should be trained on early recognition of the signs of dengue fever, the release said.

Also Read Dengue fever and how to avoid it

Dengue, a viral disease, is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnated water and is active during daytime.

"During an outbreak, doctors need to have a high index of suspicion when patients display flu-like symptoms," WHO director (communicable diseases) Dr Jai Narayan said.