Witnessing its worst outbreak in 20 years, China has recorded six deaths and over 23,000 cases of dengue fever in the southern part of the country.

Authorities revealed on Tuesday that southern China's dengue dilemma has worsened due to the unusually hot and wet weather.

The latest death reported on Sunday was in the southern province's Liwan District, the same community where the first five deaths were reported.

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The epidemic, which affected 23,146 people, was also attributed to the increased number of residents traveling to areas in Southeast Asia where dengue has been deemed prevalent, especially during the week of China's National Day celebration beginning on October 1.

Out of all the cases recorded, nearly 20,000 cases were from China's southern province of Guangdong while other affected regions report only dozens.

According to reports, even the number of mosquitoes was seen to have multiplied five-fold not only in Guangdong, but also in other provinces such as Guangxi, Fujian, and Hunan.

Symptoms of the disease commonly spread by mosquitoes, known as the Aedes aegypti mosquito, include severe joint pain and high fever similar to that of the flu.

However, dengue fever is distinguished by rashes that come out of the patient's skin, especially along the torso area, and a low platelet count.

It is commonly seen in sub-tropical and tropical areas such as Southeast Asia and South America due to their warmer climate, thus prompting a special warning from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) for those travelling to these areas to take extra precautions and seek medical help immediately after showing symptoms of the illness.

The leaders of the provincial capital of Guangzhou have initiated a clean-up drive particularly focusing on schools and construction sites as dengue-carrying mosquitoes are known to breed in stagnant waters.

They sprayed pesticides in sewers and garages, and even distributed mosquito repellents to residents in the area. 

TagsAedes aegypti, dengue, outbreak, Hunan, Fujian, Guangxi