Andina

Peru: Confirmed monkeypox cases total 18

Photo; ANDINA/Diffusion

Photo; ANDINA/Diffusion

11:53 | Lima, Jul. 8.

The number of patients infected with the monkeypox virus in Peru has increased to 18 (16 men, 1 woman, and 1 minor), all of them registered in Lima Metropolitan Area, Deputy Public Health Minister Joel Candia reported on Friday.

"Every two days, the team made up of the corresponding Minsa directorates meets to establish multiple strategies in order to deal with the positive cases of monkeypox in our country," he explained.

The official indicated that supervision visits are being made to health facilities in Southern Lima, where it was verified that they are prepared for timely and effective response to detect this disease.

Similarly, the Directorates of Integrated Health Networks (Diris) have begun house-to-house visits, carrying out epidemiological surveillance and corresponding follow-up of infected patients and their contacts.

"We are forming itinerant brigades to provide immediate response once a patient has tested positive for the monkeypox virus," the Deputy Minister stated.

"For those confirmed cases, we ask that they (infected citizens) stay at home and follow all recommendations from the health professionals who are visiting them," he added.

Diagnosis

People who have any symptoms and think that they might be infected with monkeypox must call 113 from any landline or cell phone nationwide and dial option 6.

They can also go to the nearest health facility to receive care for suspected monkeypox.

COVID-19

On the other hand, Deputy Minister Candia specified that the use of facemasks is optional. Nonetheless, citizens are recommended to wear them in open spaces where there is a crowd, such as at parties, concerts, or stadiums.


(END) NDP/IGI/KGR/MVB

Published: 7/8/2022