Panama in Campaign against Dengue
Panamanian public health authorities are fostering a campaign to avoid a dengue fever epidemics, after the death of two people and the proliferation of breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Panamanian Public Health Minister Camilo Alleyne called regional directors to intensify operations to eradicate vectors.

Official sources said fines of up to 1,000 and 3,000 dollars will be applied for those who do not contribute with vector eradication in their homes.

A total of 2,220 cases have been reported in the course of the year, less than 50 percent of the cases in 2005, and Control Department Director Oscar Gonzalez showed himself worried by the situation.

The number of cases might be much bigger this year, because experts consider that for each confirmed case, there are between 10 and 25 people infected.