The dengue virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and occurs primarily in tropics and subtropics – such as Peru. The number of infections is increasing in the South American country. The government is worried.
Peru has declared a public health emergency in almost all provinces due to a sharp increase in dengue infections. Overall, the number of cases rose to 31,300 in the first eight weeks of the year, compared to 24,981 in the first seven weeks, said Health Minister Cesar Vásquez.
32 people have already died from the mosquito-borne fever disease. Vásquez had already spoken of a serious problem last week. “And it’s getting out of control.”
The health emergency allows the government to transfer funds to the affected regions more quickly and also to send doctors and nurses. It applies to 20 of the country’s 24 provinces, including the regions surrounding the capital Lima.
Hot and humid climates promote infection
The reason for the increase in the number of cases is high temperatures and heavy rain, which can be attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon. The disease is spread by the yellow fever mosquito, which breeds in hot and humid conditions. The disease causes symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and body aches. If complications arise, it is life-threatening.
The fever is also rampant in neighboring Brazil. A health emergency has already been declared in numerous regions such as Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon region.