The number of COVID-19 infections continues growing in some Peruvian regions without this meaning a fourth wave of the pandemic, say
experts, who analyze the possibility of the start of a new coronavirus endemic phase, which also entails risks.
The expert asked for calm and commented that, although this trend could remain on the rise, it is the number of serious cases what marks the appearance of a fourth wave; otherwise, it would be the beginning of a new stage in the fight against COVID-19.
"Cases can increase, but if there is no increase in hospitalizations and deaths, this will not cause problems at the level of health services," he explained.
The official detailed that new infections are focalized in Lima and some regions, such as Tacna, Arequipa, and Moquegua.
Is an endemic getting started?
The CDC director explained that the
Health Ministry works on various scenarios in the face of the evolution of COVID-19 in the country.
"After the third wave, we have foreseen the increase in cases, as we are observing, but without significantly affecting the number of hospitalized and deceased (citizens). If this trend continues, it is most likely that we are (Peru is) already entering an endemic phase," he indicated.
Endemicity refers to the constant or habitual presence of a disease or infection in human populations within specific geographic areas, as occurs, for example, with dengue in the jungle and north coast; or malaria, in some areas of Loreto, Amazonas, Cajamarca, and Cusco regions.
The expert indicated that endemics have levels and can also mean cases of hospitalized and deceased people, as it does not mean the end or control of an infection; thus, there is the urgency and importance of being well-immunized against such diseases.
"If this year the behavior (of the epidemic continues with the same characteristics), it is most likely that we are already in an endemic phase," he said.
Who is the most vulnerable now?
According to Munayco, the people most vulnerable to this new increase in COVID-19 cases are those who have not followed the vaccination schedule —which is currently in the fourth dose— and those who have a deficient or weak immune system, such as people suffering from cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or anemia, among other diseases.
"Those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not (received) any vaccine could be affected, as well as those who, despite being vaccinated, do not craft a good immune response," he told RPP Noticias.
The official explained that the new increase in cases in Peru is generated by the Omicron variant and the arrival of winter, which changes people's social behavior.
Munayco also asked the population to redouble efforts in the preventive measures that everyone already knows about, such as properly using facemasks, maintaining social distancing, and attending vaccination centers to be well protected against serious cases.
"People are allowed to meet, but if they are in a closed place, they must wear facemasks permanently; they must not be overconfident. If we want to keep the numbers of hospitalized patients, ICU cases or deaths low, we must continue (completing) the vaccination, so that this increase in cases does not have fatal consequences," he recommended.