The Ministry of Health announced on April 30 a set of recommendations for the public to avoid contracting dengue or leptospirosis during the upcoming long holiday. The guidance comes as people across the country prepare to travel or visit family for Labor Day, which is celebrated on May 1.
Health officials said that preventive measures are especially important as increased travel can raise the risk of disease transmission. The ministry outlined steps such as applying insect repellent every four hours, wearing lightweight clothing that covers most skin, and ensuring accommodations have protective screens on doors and windows. Campers are advised to use mosquito nets.
Other recommendations include identifying and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites at home, such as buckets, tires, bottles, caps, and uncovered tanks. People should wash, scrub, and tightly cover water storage containers; replace water in flower vases with damp sand or floral foam; clean and store pet water bowls when not in use; and seek medical attention if experiencing high fever, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, rash, nausea or vomiting instead of self-medicating.
To prevent leptospirosis, the ministry recommends avoiding contact with stagnant water or floods—using rubber boots if necessary—washing hands frequently, properly washing and storing food items, drinking boiled water only, and seeking medical care for symptoms like high fever, severe headache or muscle pain (especially in lower back and legs), abdominal pain, red eyes, nausea or diarrhea without self-medicating.
For questions about dengue prevention measures or symptoms management advice during travel periods like this holiday season,the Ministry of Health offers free information through its Line 113 service, WhatsApp numbers 952842623 / 955557000,
and email at inforsalud@minsa.gob.pe.
