Peru: Major dengue fever outbreak in Piura (northwest)

Event

Major flooding that has devastated much of the country in recent months has led to an increase in disease rates in affected areas, notably the northwest. The northwestern city of Piura in particular has been hit by a major outbreak of dengue fever. At least 3150 cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been confirmed (including 19 deaths) while nearly 12,500 suspected cases were under investigation as of May 16. On average, more than 2000 new suspected cases have been reported on a weekly basis recently and rates are expected to remain at similar levels in the near future. Fumigation efforts to reduce mosquito populations are underway.

Pockets of stagnant water provide fertile breeding grounds for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, potential carriers of dengue fever as well as chikungunya, the Zika virus, and yellow fever. At least 424 cases of chikungunya, including 147 confirmed cases, have also been reported in Piura since the beginning of the year.

Increases in the incidence of water-borne diseases is also a concern due to the contamination of water sources due to flooding and landslides as well as damages to water supply infrastructure.

Context

More than a million people across Peru have been affected by flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall since the beginning of 2017. More than 100 deaths have been confirmed, along with the widespread destruction of roads, bridges, homes, schools, hospitals, and water supply infrastructure. While rains and flooding have subsided, the country is still in recovery mode.

Symptoms of dengue fever and chikungunya are similar and include: fever, headache, joint and muscle ache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially fatal complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. Chikungunya is rarely fatal but lingering joint pain can last for weeks, even months or years, after the initial recovery.

Advice

Individuals in Peru, and Piura in particular, are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito-netting or in an air conditioned room), to consume bottled or decontaminated water, and to avoid foods that cannot be thoroughly cooked, peeled, or disinfected.