Dengue outbreak in Peru reaches over 130K cases with 200 dead, heightened by El Niño rains.

The health ministry of Peru has warned that the ongoing dengue outbreak, which has already caused over 200 deaths and more than 130,000 recorded cases, may worsen due to the El Niño climate, bringing heavy rainfall and increasing the mosquito population.

Dengue fever is a tropical disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It can cause a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle, and joint pain, and in severe cases, death.

Health authorities in the country have identified El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon, as a significant factor contributing to the recent increase in cases.

El Niño is a natural cycle that causes the warming of the oceans and affects weather patterns. This can lead to an increase in tropical cyclones in the Pacific, resulting in higher levels of rainfall and a greater risk of floods in the area.

The rise in rainfall leads to a surge in mosquito populations as water accumulates in cities.

Dengue outbreak in Peru — *Peru has 130,000 recorded cases of dengue fever*

*Dengue fever can cause a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle, and joint pain, and sometimes death*

A worker of the Health Ministry fumigates against the Aedes aegypti mosquito to prevent the spread of dengue fever in Managua. — *A worker of the Health Ministry fumigates against the Aedes aegypti mosquito to prevent the spread of dengue fever in Managua*

To prevent reproduction, health officials in Peru have banned residents from storing still water in open containers.

Health Minister Rosa Gutiérrez emphasized the deadly impact of Dengue in a statement on Tuesday. She urged everyone to join in the effort to eradicate mosquito breeding sites.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday, June 8, that an El Niño has begun. The cooler La Niña pattern has been prevalent for the past three years. However, scientists are concerned about this year’s El Niño. In 2016, the last strong El Niño occurred, resulting in the hottest year on record.

According to Michelle L’Heureux, a meteorologist from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the current situation is unprecedented. The President of Peru, Dina Boluarte, has signed a decree declaring a two-month “state of emergency” in 18 out of 24 regions due to heavy rainfall, which poses an immediate threat this year and next. This declaration will enable swift official action to be taken.
According to Gutiérrez, the number of cases has reached its highest point since 2017, with 68,290 cases and 89 deaths.

*200 people have died of dengue fever in Peru this year.*

Family members mourn a 10-year-old who died from dengue fever.

Michelle L’Heureux, a meteorologist from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, stated that we are experiencing an unprecedented situation.

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On Thursday, the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte, declared a “state of emergency” for two months in 18 out of the country’s 24 regions. This decision facilitated prompt official action to address the “imminent danger” from heavy rainfall expected this year and next.

Gutiérrez states the number of cases reported is the highest since 2017. During that year, there were 68,290 cases and 89 deaths.