Bolivian region declares red alert for dengue fever

LA PAZ, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities in the eastern Bolivian department of Santa Cruz on Thursday declared a "red alert" for dengue fever due to an alarming rise in cases and four deaths from the disease this year.

Carlos Hurtado, head of epidemiology of the department's health services, told the media that Bolivia would strengthen disease surveillance, guarantee treatment for patients and destroy mosq