Hospital braces for dengue outbreak

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post): As Jakarta enters the rainy season, Fatmawati Hospital in South Jakarta is bracing for an influx of dengue fever patients, the hospital's spokesman said Saturday.

The hospital has treated an increased number of dengue patients during the past two weeks, Atom Kadam said, adding that 15 people were currently being treated for the virus at the hospital.

Dengue fever is caused by Aedes Agepty mosquito bites.

Atom said 150 extra beds had been prepared at the hospital in anticipation of a new dengue outbreak.

"We will also increase the number of doctors and paramedics on hand if more dengue patients start coming in," he said.

After massive floods hit the capital in February, Fatmawati Hospital treated at least 180 patients for dengue fever.