Andina

Health Ministry searches for possible Delta variant cases in southern Peru

17:42 | Lima, Jun. 14.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) is conducting intensive epidemiological surveillance in southern regions of Peru to detect possible Delta (Indian) variant cases of COVID-19, Minister Oscar Ugarte reported on Monday.

To that end, a team of epidemiologists from the National Health Institute (INS) has headed to Arequipa to put in place an epidemiological fence around the Delta variant case reported in the "White City."

"Not only the nuclear family is being traced, but also close friends. We do not know yet how this person who tested positive for the Delta variant got infected," he pointed out.

After confirming that this epidemiological surveillance is also carried out in other southern regions such as Moquegua, Tacna, Cusco and Puno, Ugarte affirmed that Tacna has also reported a surge in COVID-19 cases. 

"We have seen an increase in cases, which is why we are conducting this surveillance in the entire southern area," he noted.

On the other hand, the health sector's head mentioned that a medical brigade arrived in Arequipa last week to strengthen the care of patients affected by COVID-19.

Led by Deputy Benefits-Health Insurance Minister Bernardo Ostos, the brigade brought vaccines to immunize more people.

They also brought medical equipment and oxygen concentrators, which will help improve the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

(END) MAO/RMB

Published: 6/14/2021