Dengue in Peru
21 Feb 2023
The Peruvian Ministry of Health has reported increasing transmission of dengue across the country. From 1 January 2023 to 17 February 2023 there have been 11 585 dengue cases, including 16 deaths.
A public health emergency has been declared in Amazonas, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, Lambayeque, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Piura, San Martin, and Ucayali Regions.
The regions most affected are Ucayali (2 146 cases), Loreto (2 027 cases), Madre de Dios (1 284 cases), Piura (1 232 cases) and San Martín (1 077 cases).
Dengue fever is an infection found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. It is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness.
There is no vaccine against dengue licensed in the UK.
Advice for Travellers
The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk. They are particularly persistent and aggressive.
If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.
- You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.
If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.
For further information see the dengue fever page.