The Dengue fever crisis in Peru has prompted the resignation of the country’s health minister, Rosa Gutiérrez. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates.
Peru has been grappling with a significant outbreak, resulting in a record-breaking number of deaths and infections. With at least 248 reported deaths and over 146,000 cases, the crisis has put immense pressure on the government and health authorities.
Under scrutiny for her handling of the situation, Ms. Gutiérrez made the decision to step down. Lawmakers had summoned her to face a motion for removal from her post, but she resigned before the proceedings. Prior to her resignation, Ms. Gutiérrez had claimed that the virus would be contained within 15 days, a statement that was later disproven.
President Dina Boluarte accepted the minister’s departure and expressed determination to redouble efforts in improving public health.
The impact of Cyclone Yaku, which brought heavy rain to the country’s north in April and May, resulted in a surge in mosquito numbers, contributing to the spread of the disease.
Officials are concerned that the situation may worsen with the impending El Niño climate phenomenon, which is expected to bring further heavy precipitation later in the year.
In response to the crisis, President Boluarte declared a state of emergency across most regions in the country, although the majority of fatalities have occurred in the northern areas.
Dengue fever is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, swollen glands, and rashes. The resignation of the health minister highlights the urgency and severity of the Dengue fever crisis in Peru.
Rosa Gutiérrez, Peru’s health minister, steps down amid dengue fever outbreak.
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne infection, is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
The ongoing outbreak has resulted in a staggering number of fatalities and infections, with a minimum of 248 deaths and over 146,000 reported cases.
Amid mounting criticism regarding her management of the crisis, Ms. Gutiérrez declared her resignation on Thursday.
Prior to facing a motion to remove her from her position, lawmakers had summoned Ms. Gutiérrez, but she resigned before the proceedings.
According to Peruvian media reports, she had previously asserted that the virus would be contained within a span of 15 days.
President Dina Boluarte acknowledged her minister’s resignation in a Twitter post, pledging to intensify efforts to enhance public health.
The arrival of Cyclone Yaku in April and May resulted in torrential rain in the northern regions of the country, leading to a significant increase in the mosquito population, which serves as carriers of the disease.
There are concerns among officials that the situation will deteriorate with the anticipated heavy rainfall later in the year due to the El Niño climate phenomenon.
President Boluarte declared a state of emergency last week, encompassing the majority of regions nationwide, although the northern areas have reported the highest number of fatalities.
Common symptoms of dengue fever encompass high fever, severe headaches, swollen glands, and rashes.
Source : bbc.com