State of emergency declared in Peru due to rise in dengue fever cases
A health emergency has been declared in Peru due to the increase in dengue fever cases in recent weeks.
AA
The Ministry of Health announced that the number of dengue fever cases recorded in the first 7 weeks of this year has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year.
Pointing out that the number of cases in the country has exceeded 31 thousand in 2024, the Ministry stated that 32 people have lost their lives so far this year, compared to 18 deaths recorded due to the disease in 2023.
Health experts stated that the declared state of emergency will facilitate the government's ability to transfer financial support to affected regions and deploy medical personnel.
The state of emergency will cover the capital, Lima, and 24 regions.
Minister of Health Cesar Vasquez had pointed to the seriousness of the situation in a statement last week, saying, "This is a major problem and it is getting out of control."
Last year, thousands of people in the country were treated in intensive care units due to dengue fever, causing disruptions in the healthcare system.
Due to the rise in dengue fever cases, a health emergency was also declared in 13 regions on February 25, 2023.
DENGUE FEVER
Dengue fever, seen in tropical and subtropical regions, is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. The disease, which generally causes a mild fever after the incubation period, can lead to death in some cases.
Cases generally increase during what are known as the "rainy seasons" in March, June, September, and December.
Scientists warn that high temperatures and prolonged rainfall cause an increase in mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever.
Because the mosquito species that causes the disease lays larvae in stagnant water, potential breeding grounds must be constantly sprayed with insecticide.