Peruvian Health Workers Combat Dengue Outbreaks Through Home Fumigation

Dengue is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes that is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including Latin America. Home fumigation is one of the effective strategies to reduce the mosquito population and control the dengue fever outbreak. In Peru, where dengue fever is an endemic disease, health workers are taking proactive measures to combat the spread of disease by visiting homes and fumigating them.

The severity of the Dengue Fever Outbreak in Peru

Peru is considered one of the countries worst affected by dengue fever in Latin America, with over 28,000 suspected cases in 2021, including 42 deaths. In response, the Ministry of Health of Peru has implemented several strategies to eliminate the Aedes mosquito, responsible for transmitting the virus. One of the strategies is home fumigation.

The Importance of Home Fumigation

Home fumigation is a preventive action; it targets the adult mosquito, which has already infected a person with the dengue virus. The home is usually the primary source of infection, and hence it is essential to fumigate homes. The fumigation of homes involves spraying pesticides in all the corners and crevices of the house, outdoors, and indoors. The pesticides used are environment friendly and are approved by the WHO. It is a short-term strategy, but it is effective in reducing the mosquito population, preventing them from breeding, and controlling the spread of disease.

Peruvian Health Workers on the Frontline

The Peruvian government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has launched a campaign called “Vive sin dengue” (Live without dengue). The campaign informed the citizens about the importance of cleanliness and the eradication of mosquito breeding sites in their homes. Health workers are assigned to visit every home in affected areas to fumigate, educate, and inspect the area for mosquito breeding sites. The campaign has been a success, with a decrease in dengue cases in affected regions.

The Resistance Faced

However, the resistance faced by health workers is considerable, with some homeowners refusing to let workers fumigate their homes, and some even blocking the streets to stop their entry. The resistance is mainly due to misinformation, myths, and reluctance to allow strangers to enter their homes. The government and the Ministry of Health are committed to changing this mindset and are continuously trying to educate the citizens on the importance of fumigation, and eradication of mosquito breeding sites.

The Way Forward

While fumigation is an effective method to control the outbreak of dengue fever, it should not be the only method used. Other preventive measures such as proper waste management, removal of stagnant water, use of mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing should be practiced. The Ministry of Health of Peru is working closely with the government and international organizations to implement a comprehensive program for the control of dengue fever in the country.

Peruvian health workers are making a significant contribution to the control of dengue fever by visiting every home, inspecting, and fumigating them. However, the resistance faced by them is considerable, primarily due to misinformation and reluctance. Hence, it is essential to continue educating citizens on the importance of fumigation and other preventive measures to eliminate dengue fever in the country.

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