Confirmed cases of dengue fever in Brazil have almost tripled in the first seven weeks of 2013.

Over 200,000 people have been confirmed to have the deadly virus compared to only 70,000 people during the same time period in 2012. Thirty-three people have died so far.

The outbreak is attributed to a new strain of the virus discovered in 2011. The DENV-4 strain, discovered in Brazil, is so new that most Brazilians do not have immunity built up to the virus. When someone is infected with Dengue Fever, they are immune to that same strain of the virus in the future.

Dengue fever is a flu-like illness that can be treated if caught early by medical personnel.

Health officials are warning doctors that because of the upcoming rainy season they could see a significant increase in DENV-4 infections as mosquitoes who spread the disease will have optimal breeding situations. Local governments will take steps to remove standing water and other breeding grounds for mosquitoes.