Peru: Elevated malaria activity reported in multiple departments, especially Loreta, through August 2022

Event

Peruvian health officials report elevated malaria activity in multiple departments during 2022, with 15,534 cases reported Jan. 1-Aug. 7, compared to 9,438 cases reported in the departments over a similar period in 2021. Loreta Department remains most affected (13,012 cases), while activity is also elevated in Junin (1,757 cases), and the Amazonas (762 cases). This case count represents the most complete information available as of Aug. 18.

Context

Peru reported 18,075 malaria cases in 2021, 15,810 cases in 2020, and 24,321 cases in 2019. Risk of infection is intermediate and exists nationwide except Callao Region and Lima Province and portions of Arequipa, Ica, Lima, Moquegua, Tacna, and Tumbes regions (map).

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of malaria most commonly include fever, chills, headaches and body aches, nausea and vomiting, and general malaise. Symptoms typically appear 7-30 days after being bitten; however, there are reports of symptoms appearing as late as one year afterward.

Advice

See a medical provider to discuss the need for anti-malarial medication before traveling to Peru. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within a month of being in affected areas; be sure to inform a healthcare provider of any travel to affected areas that occurred during the past 12 months.