Peru: Potential dengue fever outbreak in Piura region /update 1

Event

Health officials fear a major outbreak of dengue fever will occur in the Piura region as the southern-hemisphere summer and rainy period begins. Residents are being called on to take measures to destroy potential mosquito breeding grounds on their properties - i.e. pockets of fresh water or anywhere such pockets can form - and to allow health workers to enter their homes to carry out inspections.

A total of 36 new cases were reported in the region during the week of December 23. Cases were recording in the cities of Chulucanas, Piura, Castilla, Tambogrande, Sullana, Catacaos, Cura Mori, and Salitral.

The region was hit by a major dengue fever epidemic earlier in the year following severe flooding. Nearly 48,400 cases have been reported in the region since the beginning of the year, including 42 deaths. Nationwide, 74,000 cases have been reported in 2017 (67 deaths). After Piura, the worst-affected regions have been La Libertad, Tumbes, and Ica.

Context

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.).