Peru Declares Emergency as Dengue Deaths Triple! Shocking Details Inside!

The government of Peru has declared a state of emergency following a significant rise in deaths from dengue infections earlier this year. Reuters reported that President Dina Boluarte has authorized "extraordinary economic measures" to address the dengue epidemic, which has been devastating the Americas since the beginning of 2024.

Peru's health ministry has stated that dengue was the confirmed cause of death for 117 individuals as of April 11, compared to only 33 at the same time last year. The number of infections has also tripled compared to 2023, with 135,000 cases reported.

"We are in a critical situation in Latin America," remarked University of Lima epidemiologist Augusto Tarazona, highlighting that Peru's infection and mortality rates are higher than those of Argentina and Brazil. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there was a 400% increase in dengue infections from 2000 to 2013. Dengue, also known as "break-bone fever," can result in symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, and nausea, and can be more severe upon subsequent infections, leading to bleeding gums or nose, weakness, and severe abdominal pain.

In response to the epidemic, authorities in Lima, Peru, have initiated fumigation efforts in affected low-income neighborhoods, as reported by Reuters. Similarly, in Brazil, which is also experiencing a surge in cases, bacteria-infected mosquitoes are being utilized to combat the outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the dengue vaccine only for individuals who have previously been infected. Nonetheless, there are preventive measures individuals can take to safeguard themselves, such as using insect repellent, ensuring windows and doors are equipped with screens, and wearing clothing that covers arms and legs, according to the WHO.