Andina

3,744 monkeypox cases confirmed in Peru

09:07 | Lima, Feb. 11.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported that the number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Peru has risen to 3,744.

In a tweet on Friday evening, Minsa stated that cases were reported in Metropolitan Lima (2,858), Callao (261), La Libertad (165), Arequipa (148), Piura (51), Lima Provinces (47), Lambayeque (44), Ica (38), San Martin (25), Ucayali (24), Cusco (13), Loreto (13), Ancash (14), Tacna (11), Junin (10), Madre de Dios (6), Huanuco (5), Ayacucho (5), Cajamarca (3), Moquegua (1), Puno (1), and Tumbes (1).

Minsa reported 3,723 hospital discharges. Besides, all patients received medical care and are being monitored, as contacts are identified. 

The ministry encouraged the population to call line 113, extension 6, or go to the nearest health facility in case they have symptoms like rashes or skin lesions.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans from animals. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder.

Transmission

Animal-to-person transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected wild animals such as rodents and primates from Africa.

Human-to-human transmission can result from close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions of an infected person or recently contaminated objects.

How to avoid infection

- Avoid contact.

- Wash your hands.

- Wear a facemask.

- Isolate yourself if you have symptoms.

(END) MVB

Published: 2/11/2023