The Peruvian government issued an emergency decree after the number of deaths from dengue fever more than tripled earlier this year.
what's happening?
Reuters reported that Peruvian President Dina Bolarte has approved “temporary economic measures” to slow the dengue epidemic that has been ravaging the Americas since early 2024.
Peru's Ministry of Health announced that as of April 11, the official cause of death for 117 people was dengue fever. At the same time last year, that total was just 33. The number of infected people has tripled to 135,000 compared to 2023.
“Latin America is in a critical situation,” Augusto Tarazona, an epidemiologist at the University of Lima, told the press, noting that Peru's infection and death rates were higher than Argentina and Brazil.
Why is this a concern?
Tarazona told Reuters that dengue cases are being detected in Peru in areas where the disease has not previously spread.
The disease is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which, like other disease-carrying mosquito species, is expanding its range as global temperatures rise due to human activities such as burning dirty fuels. We are expanding.
“Mosquitoes are adapting to climate change and are breeding faster than in previous years,” Tarazona said.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue infections increased by 400% from 2000 to 2013. Also known as “fracture fever,” the disease is more dangerous and can cause fever, rash, headache, and nausea. Second time.
More severe symptoms include bleeding from the gums or nose, weakness, and severe abdominal pain.
What can be done about this epidemic?
Authorities in the Peruvian city of Lima have begun fumigation efforts in poor areas severely affected by dengue fever, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, which is also facing a surge in infections, mosquitoes infected with the bacteria are being used to fight the outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that dengue vaccines are only recommended for people who have already been infected. Still, there are ways people can protect themselves from the disease.
Using insect repellents, having screens on windows and doors, and wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs are some of the preventive measures recommended by WHO.
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