Dengue fever is spreading: Peru declares a health emergency

tropical disease
Dengue fever is spreading: Peru declares a health emergency

In view of the massive spread of dengue fever, the Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency for most of the South American country. The measure will apply for three months in 20 of the 24 regions, the said Ministry of Health on Monday (local time). The government allocated 160 million sol (38 million euros) to fight the disease.

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Dengue fever in Peru: Minister fears catastrophe

Since the beginning of the year, 31,364 suspected cases have been registered in Peru, of which 17,965 cases have already been confirmed. 32 people have died from the disease so far. The heavy rains and high temperatures of the past few months are likely to be the trigger for the sharp increase. The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), which transmits the dengue viruses, can develop particularly well under these conditions. “2024 could be a disastrous year for Latin America in terms of dengue,” said Health Minister César Vásquez Sánchez.

The Dengue fever – sometimes called “bone-breaking disease” because of the pain – is widespread in the tropics and subtropics. However, the course of the disease is often mild and not everyone who is infected becomes ill. Recently, the number of cases in Brazil and Argentina also increased significantly.

Note: How do I recognize a possible dengue fever infection? Can I die from dengue fever? You can find answers to these and other questions about the disease here.

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DPA