Peru: Dengue fever outbreak in Piura region /update 2

Event

According to regional health officials, a total of 267 suspected cases, including 28 confirmed cases, have been reported in Piura region since the beginning of the year, as of Monday, February 19. The worst-hit districts are currently Chulucanas, Castilla, Piura, Sullana, Catacaos, Máncora, Tambogrande, and Salitral.

Authorities are taking steps to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds and are urging residents to take precautions against mosquitoes. There are also fears of an outbreak of chikungunya, which is carried by the same type of mosquito as the dengue virus.

Context

Piura region was hit by a major dengue fever epidemic in 2017 following devastating flooding. More than 48,000 cases were reported in the region in 2017, including 43 deaths.

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. Be aware that aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) should be avoided as they may worsen bleeding issues associated with the disease; patients may be given doses of acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Advice

Individuals in Piura and Peru more generally 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 - 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.).