Peru is currently grappling with its worst-ever outbreak of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes severe flu-like symptoms and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Common in tropical and subtropical climates, dengue fever is a growing threat in Peru due to changing environmental conditions. The current record-breaking dengue outbreak occurred after torrential rains, brought on by Cyclone Yaku and heightened by the El Nino phenomenon, resulted in a surge in the population of mosquitos that are the primary carriers of the disease. All public health crises have political roots and implications. In Peru, the ongoing crisis following the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo last year is affecting the government’s and the region’s responses to this dengue outbreak.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 26, 2023 14:30 UTC