Peru has declared a health emergency in most of its provinces

27/2/2024 19:44

        Peru declared a health emergency in most of its provinces on Monday due to a growing number of dengue cases that are occurring at a time of higher than usual temperatures caused by the El Nino weather pattern.
        
        According to the nation’s health ministry, the number of dengue cases registered during the first seven weeks of this year is twice as high as during the same period in 2023 - with more than 31,000 cases recorded.
        
        "This is a grave problem," health minister Cesar Vasquez said last week, before the emergency was declared. "And it is getting out of hand."
        
        The health emergency will enable the nation’s government to transfer funds faster to the affected regions and also transport doctors and nurses. It will cover 20 of the country’s 24 provinces, including regions that surround the capital city of Lima.