The Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) Ucayali announced on Apr. 3 that it will carry out a fumigation campaign targeting over 18,000 homes in the districts of Callería and Yarinacocha. The campaign aims to protect public health by controlling the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
This initiative is part of the “Plan de prevención y control del dengue 2026” introduced by the Ministry of Health. The plan outlines coordinated efforts between Diresa Ucayali and the Municipality of Coronel Portillo, which have already resulted in the removal of 12 tons of potential mosquito breeding sites.
A team of 100 trained professionals will conduct the fumigation, which specifically targets adult mosquitoes. Before each intervention, communication staff use loudspeakers to advise residents to close windows, open doors, clear spaces for fumigation, cover food and water containers, and turn off kitchen appliances and electrical devices for safety reasons. All family members and pets are instructed to leave their homes during fumigation and remain outside for at least one hour.
In addition to fumigation efforts, campaigns have focused on identifying and eliminating items that collect rainwater—such as coconut shells, bottles, tires, old pots, toys, and other unused containers—which can serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Community Health Agents work with residents through educational sessions on how to identify these risks at home as well as proper cleaning practices like washing and covering water storage containers.
For further information or questions about dengue prevention or symptoms, citizens can contact the Ministry’s free helpline at Linea 113 (option 1), reach out via WhatsApp or Telegram at numbers provided by Minsa (952842623 or 955557000), or email inforsalud@minsa.gob.pe.
