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Peru: Health Ministry declares national epidemiological alert over diphtheria

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Health of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Ministry of Health of Peru

00:03 | Lima, Nov. 5.

Peruvian Deputy Public Health Minister Luis Suarez reported the death of a senior citizen, who had shown respiratory symptoms and tested positive for diphtheria. Thus, the Government has decided to declare a national epidemiological alert.

"The Cayetano Heredia Hospital notified us about the case of a 69-year-old woman who died with respiratory symptoms. For its part, the laboratory gave a preliminary result compatible with Corynebacterium diphtheriae, an etiological agent of diphtheria," he express during a press conference on Wednesday.

The government official said the National Health Institute (INS) confirmed that the sample had been subjected to a PCR test and was positive for diphtheria, which confirms the existence of the bacteria.

However, "the patient had a chronic clinical symptom from another disease; apparently, it is an infection added to the finding of diphtheria," he specified.

"This forces us to extend the research area" in Lima's San Martin de Porres —the patient's residence district. Thus, "blockade vaccination session is starting."

Suarez said that "the National Epidemiology Center is in charge of the investigation phase and declared a national epidemiological alert so that all health services are attentive to any suspected case of diphtheria that could arise."

The patient was admitted to Cayetano Heredia Hospital on October 29, received antibiotic therapy and oxygen support. However, she died on October 30.

The Deputy Public Health minister on October 27 confirmed the first case of diphtheria in Peru, after 20 years. A 5-year-old girl died days later from a heart complication.

Free vaccination

Likewise, Suarez announced that this Thursday and Friday 80,000 people are expected to be vaccinated free of charge in Lima's La Victoria district —the neighboring area where the first minor infected with diphtheria used to reside, and an immunization strategy will be implemented.

(END) JOT/MVB

Publicado: 5/11/2020