The government of Peru has declared a state of health emergency due to an epidemic of dengue fever.
The decision was taken during a council of ministers chaired by President Dina Boluarte.
The crisis currently affects 20 of the 24 regions of the country where there are already 24,981 infections.
“More than 83% of the country's territory faces problems related to the disease, thanks to the decree it will be possible to use the public budget more flexibly to fight dengue,” Health Minister Casar Vasquez said in a press conference.
Data from the Ministry of Health show an increase in cases of almost 100% compared to the same period last year when there were 12,624.
Deaths from pathologies linked to dengue infection are already 32 compared to 18 last year.
Argentina and Brazil - grappling with the explosion in the number of cases and deaths - have already adopted similar measures.
Dengue is caused by an arbovirus transmitted through the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The main symptoms are high fever, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes.
In more severe forms, dengue can cause internal bleeding and lead to death.
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