BUENOS AIRES -- Argentina is gearing up precautionary measures against swine flu just as it struggles with another public-health crisis: an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever. The government says in recent months more than 20,000 people have been diagnosed with dengue -- which causes a severe flu-like illness -- and five people have died from complications brought on by the disease.
Health Minister Graciela Ocana said her ministry warned of dengue fever in January, and says that disease is now receding amid intense efforts at mosquito eradication. The dengue outbreak has cast a harsh spotlight on the preparedness of Argentina's health system and the credibility of President Cristina Kirchner's government just weeks before crucial midterm elections.
About 80% of the dengue cases have been concentrated in two northern provinces, Chaco and Catamarca -- a warm area that is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. The lesson from dengue is that "the Argentine health system simply isn't ready to handle the problems of our country," says Gonzalo Basile, president of the Argentine office of Doctors of the World, an international humanitarian group. The group says the number of dengue cases might be three times higher than the government is citing.
Argentina hasn't reported any cases of swine flu. Ms. Ocana on Sunday announced stepped-up vigilance at airports and preparations to provide treatment for any potential cases. In a statement, Doctors of the World accused provincial and national health officials of "flagrant manipulation, cover-up and opaqueness" in reporting the extent of the dengue outbreak. The group also criticized the federal government's lack of preventive policies against dengue, which specialists have been tracking in Argentina since 1996.
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