The infection rates of the dengue virus are increasing dramatically. What impact does the increased incidence of fever have on travelers?
Peru is a popular travel destination simply because of Machu Picchu. There were already difficulties at this very world attraction at the beginning of the month – a strike made it impossible for travelers to visit the modern wonder of the world for a few days. Now there are problems in the country again. This time, however, the health of travelers is at stake daily News reported. The dengue virus is currently spreading more and more.
Sharp increase in infections
The dengue virus has already claimed 32 lives in Peru. The fever is currently becoming increasingly widespread, so the Peruvian government had to react. A health emergency has now been declared in almost all provinces of the country. The region around Lima, through which many holidaymakers enter, is also affected.
In the first seven weeks of 2024, 24,981 infections were counted. Within another week the numbers rose to 31,300 sick people. This big jump worries the government. Health Minister Cesar Vásquez says the virus is getting out of control. The Foreign Office in Germany advises travelers to always pay attention to good, high-dose mosquito repellent. According to the office, the peak of the dengue virus is expected in May.
What is the dengue virus?
Yellow fever mosquitoes, which transmit the dengue virus to humans, are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. The virus enters the human body through bites from these animals. The weather phenomenon El Nino causes high temperatures and high rainfall – ideal conditions for the spread of the disease due to the proliferation of yellow fever mosquitoes. Symptoms such as fever, vomiting and body aches indicate an infection.
Due to the health emergency, the government is now able to send funds and doctors to affected areas more efficiently. The yellow fever mosquito is also raging in Brazil – here, too, a health emergency has already been declared in tourist regions. The regions in the Amazon and around Rio de Janeiro are primarily affected.
Conclusion on the dengue virus in Peru
The number of dengue virus infections continues to rise, so much so that a health emergency has been declared in 20 of 24 Peruvian provinces. The yellow fever mosquito is also becoming a plague for people in neighboring Peru; the virus is expected to peak around May. It remains to be hoped that the measures taken can contain the spread.
