The number of dengue cases recorded in Jalisco in 2013 is up 400 percent on the same period in 2012.
The Jalisco Department of Health (SSJ) announced this week that there have been 479 cases of dengue recorded in the state this year, in comparison to just 92 at this point last year. Of these, 64 developed into dengue hemorrhagic fever, a life-threatening disease which causes bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage.
Amatitan has been the worst hit municipality with 77 cases, followed by Puerto Vallarta with 52, Guadalajara with 51 and Ocotlan with 48. The SSJ said that dengue can be largely avoided by taking preventative measures such as using mosquito nets, long sleeves and repellent.