The Ministry of Health announced on Apr. 22 that it has sent two technical teams to the regions of Piura and La Libertad in order to strengthen efforts against dengue and leptospirosis. This deployment is part of the “National Plan for Prevention and Control of Dengue 2026.”
Yuri Alegre Palomino, director of Prevention and Control of Metaxenic Diseases and Zoonoses, said that citizens should remain vigilant and continue preventive measures at home. “To avoid getting sick from dengue, we must not let our guard down; we must put preventive measures into practice at home. On this occasion, our technical teams will formulate actions that allow us to stop the advance of these diseases,” Alegre Palomino said.
The ministry reported that these teams will work on strengthening epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigation, vector control, and comprehensive patient care according to national health standards for treating dengue patients in Peru.
Officials also stated they will promote involvement from local governments, educational institutions, communities, and families in adopting healthy practices to reduce disease transmission where mosquitoes are present. Communication strategies will be developed to discourage self-medication while encouraging recognition of symptoms and warning signs.
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and skin rashes. Warning signs can include intense abdominal pain or persistent vomiting as well as bleeding or irritability.
The Ministry recommends not self-medicating if symptoms appear but instead staying hydrated and seeking immediate medical attention at a nearby health facility for proper recovery.
For questions about dengue prevention or treatment options, citizens can contact the free information service through Line 113 or via WhatsApp or Telegram using numbers 952 842 623 or 955 557 000. The institutional email infosalud@minsa.gob.pe is also available.
