Thousands of people affected by dengue fever in Peru

Over 3,100 cases have been confirmed and around 12,400 more probable cases of dengue fever have been reported in Piura this year. Heavy rains, mudslides and flooding have greatly affected this area from the El Niño storm.

Advice

The absence of reports from other areas does not mean that there is no dengue fever transmission there. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities.

All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate.