17:02 | Piura (Piura region), Apr. 4.
Regional Health Directorate (Desa Piura) has launched a massive fumigation campaign in Piura city to combat vector-borne diseases like dengue, Zika and chikungunya, whose risk has increased due to torrential rains and floods.
According to Edward Pozo, head of Desa Piura's Health Intelligence Office, the campaign kicked off in the area known as Los Algarrobos —located in northern Piura— which hosts around 8,000 families.
Similar initiatives will be rolled out in districts like Castilla, Miraflores, Maria Goretti, Tacala and in downtown Piura, places where rain water is still standing, and whose conditions are suitable for the development of such vector.
"This rain leads to standing water, which later turns into mosquito breeding sites; we are launching this campaign to ensure the health of the population," the official told Andina news agency.
In the case of Bajo Piura, mainly in Catacaos, Cura Mori and other districts affected by floods, campaigns will be scheduled when fumigation is required.
The campaign is run in partnership with Peru’s Health Ministry, which sent a 55-member fumigation brigade to Piura.
Divided in two groups, fumigators have entered houses in La Molina, Los Olivos, Manuel Seoane and Los Claveles human settlements in Los Algarrobos area, since 7 AM.
Campaign's supervisor Jorge Agurto Lopez said Piura is endemic to dengue fever and that the initiative seeks to reduce risk of contracting the disease.
"The vector colony is larger than in the past; so we are obliged to control the vector through thermo-nebulization; that is, by fumigating one house after the other," he said.
Agurto noted the population's positive response to facilitate the team's entry into their houses.
(END) FHG/MAO/RMB
Published: 4/4/2017