The Bolivian Ministry of Health declared a health emergency in January 2012 due to an epidemic of dengue fever in the low-lying regions of Bolivia around La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.
There have been 450 confirmed cases and 40,000 suspected cases, with six deaths (two from hemorrhagic fever, the more severe form of dengue). The 2011 season was the worst recorded, with 53 deaths.
Other South American countries where dengue fever is endemic include Brazil, Paraguay and parts of northern Argentina. Dengue is spread by mosquitoes.