Peru: Chikungunya outbreak feared in Piura February 14

Event

On Wednesday, February 14, health officials confirmed the first case of chikungunya in the northwestern region of Piura. According to local sources, the patient reportedly contracted the disease in Catacaos district.

Authorities are taking steps to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds, and are urging residents to take precautions against mosquitoes.

Context

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include high fever, joint and muscle pain, rash, headache, nausea, and fatigue. The virus is rarely fatal but lingering joint pain can last for several weeks, even months, after the initial recovery. No vaccine for the virus is currently available.

Advice

Individuals present in Piura region - and Peru more generally - are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, sleeping in a screened-in or air conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).