LIMA, Feb 19 (NNN-ANDINA) — The National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) of the Health Ministry (Minsa) reported that a progressive decrease in the number of confirmed mpox (monkeypox) cases have been registered in Peru so far this year, presenting the same trend as other countries worldwide.
The highest number of cases (313) was recorded during Epidemiological Week No. 32, 2022 (from Aug 7-13).
From Epidemiological Week 1-6, 2023 (Jan 1-Feb 11) 55 cases of the Mpox virus have been registered.
Although there is a trend in the reduction of cases, the epidemiological surveillance of mpox will remain in force at the national level for the identification of cases so as to prevent a spread of the disease.
As is known, the first case of this disease was confirmed on June 26, 2022.
To date 3,752 accumulated cases have been registered in 21 regions: Metropolitan Lima (2,864), Callao (261), La Libertad (165), Arequipa (148 ), Piura (51), Lima provinces (48), 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 (6), Cajamarca (3), Moquegua (1), Puno (1), and Tumbes (1).
Meanwhile, 3,726 patients have already been discharged after complying with isolation for a period of 21 days.
Of the total reported mpox cases, 96.1% (3,606) are males between 5 and 75 years of age. The other 3.9% (146) are females between 2 to 55 years of age, according to the CDC’s Monkeypox Situation Room (Mpox).
Minsa continues with the vaccination process against Mpox, prioritizing vulnerable populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (MT), sex workers (TS), and all people living with HIV in order to avoid severe cases or complications from this disease.
People can get vaccinated at Reference Centers for Sexually Transmitted Infections (Cerits), Periodic Medical Care Units (UAMP), and Antiretroviral Treatment Centers (TAR).
According to the HIS-Minsa system, 16,868 doses against monkeypox have been administered (12,120 first doses and 4,748 second doses) as of Feb 15. — NNN-ANDINA