Hospital Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes de Paita, part of the Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) Piura, announced on May 5 that it has started epidemiological surveillance and sanitary monitoring following a sewage overflow in the San Martín Oriente sector of Paita district.
The hospital said these actions are intended to protect public health and prevent disease outbreaks. Epidemiology and Environmental Health staff have begun registering people living in affected areas, including homes, commercial zones, and markets. This information will be sent to the Emergency area so that healthcare personnel can provide timely care if symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, body pain, signs of intoxication or other discomfort related to the incident appear.
The hospital will also carry out periodic clinical and epidemiological follow-up for those registered during the days following the event. This monitoring aims to quickly detect possible cases of fever, acute diarrheal diseases or other health risks associated with contact with wastewater.
In anticipation of increased demand for services, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes is reinforcing case notification and surveillance systems. The facility is also opening a Febrile Unit (UF) to allow for timely diagnosis and medical attention by healthcare professionals.
To strengthen preventive measures among residents affected by the overflow, Health Promotion staff will conduct educational talks and awareness campaigns. Topics include safe food handling practices, proper handwashing techniques, correct water storage methods, recognizing warning signs for dengue and leptospirosis symptoms among others.
Staff will prepare a situational report detailing actions taken and potential scenarios; this report will be sent to Diresa Piura as well as Peru’s Ministry of Health so authorities can respond promptly.
