Dengue fever surging in South America, 700 deaths reported in Brazil

Dengue fever infections have been spreading in South America. More than 700 deaths have been confirmed in Brazil this year, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Brazil has reported more than 2 million cases and at least 715 deaths since January. The number of infections so far this year is already the highest of any year since records began in 2000. Cases have been especially surging in populous regions, such as the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as the capital Brasilia.