China reports more than 27,000 dengue cases

A total of 27,219 dengue fever cases have been reported in China as of Wednesday with six people dead, a Chinese health authority spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Song Shuli, spokeswoman of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), said that this year witnessed an apparent increase of dengue cases with 99 percent found in south China regions, such as Guangdong, Fujian, Yunnan and Guangxi, at a press conference.

The NHFPC has issued a circular to urge health organs to prevent and deal with dengue, including annihilating mosquitoes and publicizing ways to protect against the disease.

"We have also set up a joint mechanism with Hong Kong and Macao exchanging information every day," said Song.

According to Song, dengue is a mosquito-borne, potentially fatal disease that affects more than 100 countries and regions in tropical and subtropical regions, causing fever and muscle and joint aches.

Chinese people's growing frequency of visiting southeast Asian countries caused more imported cases. High temperature and rainy weather also lead to rising number of mosquitoes.

Li Dexin, researcher with the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, suggested people who develop syndrome of dengue visit doctors as early as possible.