Location: Peru (countrywide)
Event: Dengue Fever (June 7, 2023)
Peru’s Ministry of Health reports more than 9,400 cases of dengue fever per week throughout the country, a significant increase over average incidence, with most cases concentrated in the northern Piura Region. The Ministry of Health reports approximately 83,700 total cases since January 2023 throughout the country, including Lima and lower elevations in the Cusco region (below 2,300 m, or 7,500 ft).
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by a bite from an infected Aedes mosquito.
What are symptoms of Dengue infection?
Dengue fever is characterized by sudden onset of fever, chills, and headache, followed by general bone and muscle aches, and sometimes a rash. Symptoms are similar to influenza, COVID-19, and even malaria.
Actions to Take
- Avoid mosquito bites to the maximum extent possible.
- Use repellants whenever you or family members are outside in high-risk areas for prolonged periods of time.
- Prevent mosquito breeding in or near your home; empty, drain, or cover any containers containing stagnant water.
- Use barriers when you are at home to prevent mosquito entry or biting in indoor spaces.
- Review the CDC page on preventing mosquito bites at https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html
- Seek medical treatment if you believe you may be infected. While the U.S. Embassy cannot vouch for medical practitioners, a list of local doctors may be found on our website: Medical Assistance – U.S. Embassy in Peru (usembassy.gov)
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for Embassy updates at https://step.state.gov.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Lima, Peru
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Santiago de Surco 15023, Lima
+51-1-618-2000
https://pe.usembassy.gov
U.S. Consular Agency Cusco
Avenida El Sol 449
State Department – Consular Affairs +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Need help? Email: CASTEP@state.gov
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