Location:
Peru (countrywide)
Event:
Peruvian authorities have reported a 262 percent rise in dengue fever cases compared to the same period last year. As of March 22, Peru’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported 79,741 cases and 82 deaths due to dengue fever in several regions, including the Lima metropolitan area.
Dengue fever is a viral mosquito-borne disease. The virus is transmitted to people from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Dengue fever is characterized by sudden onset of fever, chills, and headache, followed by general bone and muscle aches, and sometimes a rash. Symptoms usually begin 4-10 days after infection and are like influenza, COVID-19, and even malaria. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that Peru has the highest fatality rate for the disease in South America.
According to Peru’s CDC, the most affected regions include La Libertad (16,247 cases), Lima (12,306 cases), Piura (11,470 cases), and Ica (10,909 cases). Within Lima, the largest number of cases were reported in Comas (1,297 cases), San Juan de Lurigancho (773 cases), Villa María del Triunfo (749 cases), and Independencia (564 cases). The districts of Miraflores, San Borja, and Surco have seen cases double and triple in the past week but numbers remain relatively low in these areas, ranging from 3 to 25 cases. Peruvian health officials expect cases to continue their rise through early April and begin to decline in the end of that month.
Actions to take:
- Use insect repellants whenever you or your family members are outside, especially in high-risk areas for prolonged periods of time.
- Avoid mosquito bites to the maximum extent possible.
- Wear loose-fitting, long sleeves and long pants.
- 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 Dengue Fever, Dengue | Disease Directory | Travelers’ Health | CDC.
- 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
LimaACS@state.gov
https://pe.usembassy.gov - U.S. Consular Agency Cusco
Avenida El Sol 449
Cusco
CuscoACS@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 - To receive alerts, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
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