Dengue outbreak in Peru reaches 200K cases, 200 dead
Peru is currently experiencing its worst outbreak of dengue fever on record, with over 130,000 recorded cases and more than 200 deaths this year alone. The country’s health ministry has warned that the situation could potentially worsen as El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon, brings heavy rainfall and more mosquitoes. Dengue fever is a tropical disease transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito, causing symptoms like high fever, headache, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. The surge in cases has been partially attributed to the accumulated water in cities due to increased rainfall, which provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The Peruvian government has prohibited residents from storing still water in open containers in an effort to prevent mosquito reproduction. In response to the situation, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has declared a two-month “state of emergency” in 18 of the country’s 24 regions.
FAFAQs:
1. What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a tropical disease transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain.
2. How is dengue fever treated?
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but patients are recommended to drink plenty of fluids and take pain-relieving medication to manage symptoms.
3. What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that causes cyclical warming of the world’s oceans and weather. It fuels tropical cyclones in the Pacific and can increase rainfall and flood risk in the region.
4. How can I prevent dengue fever?
Preventative measures include avoiding mosquito bites by wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs, using mosquito repellent, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
5. What is the Peruvian government doing in response to the outbreak?
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has declared a two-month “state of emergency” in 18 of the country’s 24 regions to allow swift official action for the imminent danger from heavy rainfall this year and next. The government has also prohibited residents from storing still water in open containers to prevent mosquito reproduction.
200,000 cases and 200 deaths reported in Peru’s Dengue outbreak.
Peru is currently facing its worst dengue outbreak on record, with the death toll surpassing 200 and over 130,000 recorded cases, according to the country’s health ministry. The outbreak is expected to intensify as the El Niño climate phenomenon brings torrential rain and mosquitoes, which transmit the disease. Dengue fever is a tropical disease that can provoke a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and sometimes death. El Niño is a cyclical warming of the world’s oceans and weather, which fuels tropical cyclones in the Pacific, boosting rainfall and flood risk in the region. Peru’s health officials are prohibiting residents from storing still water in open containers to prevent mosquito reproduction. On Thursday, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared that an El Niño is now underway. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has signed a decree declaring a two-month “state of emergency” in 18 of the country’s 24 regions to allow swift official action for “imminent danger from heavy rainfall” this year and next.