Peru's
Health Minister Jorge Lopez on Monday reported that 15 monkeypox cases have been confirmed so far, noting that the virus has been detected in individuals residing in 5 districts across Metropolitan Lima.
He said that those infected, whose ages range between 20 and 36 years, live in the districts of Lima Cercado —the downtown area of the city— as well as Santiago de Surco, Jesus Maria, Pueblo Libre, and San Martin de Porres.
The government official remarked that the infected individuals are being monitored by health professionals, who are tracing their contact with relatives and acquaintances.
Mr. Lopez mentioned that only one of the infected individuals has been hospitalized due to complications caused by the patient's comorbidity; while the rest of those infected are recovering at home, where they have been isolated.
In the face of rising monkeypox cases, the minister reported that Minsa has implemented a preparedness and response plan intended to increase surveillance at ports and airports so as to monitor travelers coming from abroad.
Moreover, he affirmed that Minsa has 1,200 tests to confirm or rule out monkeypox in less than 24 hours.
In addition, the Cabinet member noted that special areas have been set up in five hospitals across Lima to treat severe cases.
His remarks were delivered during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health (Minsa).
(END) LIT/RMB
Published: 7/4/2022