Peru's Health Minister Anibal Velasquez and his Ecuadorian counterpart Margarita Guevara signed a binational work plan designed to implement a series of actions with the purpose of expanding control measures against Zika-virus spreading mosquito.
"We have transferred some positive experiences on chikungunya control to Ecuador. We presented our surveillance actions based on setting up ovitraps, using the most effective insecticides, implementing measures along with regional and local governments and conducting strict monitoring through the sentinel surveillance of mosquitos scheme," Velasquez explained.
The latter measure —aimed to identify patients experiencing virus symptoms— will be strengthened, especially on travelers arriving from Ecuador.
Native cases have been reported in the Ecuadorian Oro province, a zone close to the border area the Northern country shares with Peru.
The tourist inflow is estimated to expand. Over 12,000 people would cross the border during Carnival festivities taking place in February, the official forecasted.
"Thus, it is essential to develop surveillance actions to identify possible imported cases," he stressed.
Measures
Both authorities joined prevention works, such as picking up trash from areas, in order to prevent them from becoming mosquito breeding grounds. Fumigating the border region was also planned. Likewise, an early detection center was inaugurated.
The gathering between Peruvian and Ecuadorian Ministers was agreed on February 3th, 2016.
On that day, CELAC health authorities met in Montevideo, Uruguay seeking a common strategy to fight the virus all over the region.
Currently, Peru does not register native Zika cases. A foreign case was reported weeks ago. In this sense, the Health Ministry (Minsa) permanently implements surveillance actions with the purpose of protecting people's health.
(END) NDP/VVS/AVV/MVB
Published: 2/7/2016