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Dengue Fever in Peru

30 Nov 2012

The media has reported that the government of Peru has declared a state of emergency in three provinces in the Ucayali region due to an ongoing outbreak of dengue fever in the area. The 60-day state of emergency was declared in the provinces of Coronel Portillo, Padre Abad, and Atalaya.

As of 11 November 2012, 11 individuals have died in Ucayali from dengue and more than 3,000 cases have been recorded. The Ucayali region of Peru is in the Amazon basin and borders with Brazil.

Outbreaks of dengue fever occur mainly in the jungle regions of Peru, however, cases have been reported on the coast. An awareness campaign was carried out in the Lima area this summer (2012).

Advice for Travellers

Travellers to the Amazon basin of Peru should be aware of the risk of dengue fever. Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.