1.   Second, dengue epidemics are explosive.

2.   A dengue epidemic that has affected thousands of Venezuelans is under control and does not merit the declaration of a national emergency, President Hugo Chavez said Sunday.

3.   Authorities have confirmed the dengue epidemic, but believe they are also up against equine encephalitis because hundreds of mules, donkeys and horses have died in recent weeks.

4.   Hardijanti, who is also the Minister of Social Affairs, said the ministry would provide funds to overcome the blood crisis and the dengue epidemic.

5.   International health experts united in calling for government campaigns from Mexico to Central America and the Caribbean to stamp out a dengue epidemic sweeping the region.