College of Biologists of Peru warns about insufficient control of the dengue vector and urges effective measures

Given the alarming escalation of dengue cases in the country, which has already reached 173,706 affected and 162 deaths nationwide until epidemiological week No. 16-2024, the College of Biologists of Peru (CBP) expresses its concern about the current approach of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) in the management of this epidemic, pointing out a serious problem in the control of the Aedes aegypti vector, the main transmitter of this disease.

According to Biological Magister María del Rosario Villa Robles, national dean of CBP, the approach to dengue has been disproportionately focused on hospital care, leaving aside critical strategies to combat the vector responsible for the transmission of the dengue virus.

“It is essential to evaluate and act on the population density of Aedes aegypti and design effective strategies that include larval control and fumigation aimed at controlling the adult vector,” said the dean.

The Lima region, the most affected, illustrates the deficit of adequate preventive measures and the lack of implementation of effective control strategies at the local level.

“We are facing a situation where attention has been diverted almost exclusively to the treatment of patients, without effectively attacking the root of the problem, which is the proliferation of the transmitting mosquito,” added Villa Robles.

The College of Biologists of Peru makes an urgent call for the MINSA to re-evaluate and readjust its strategy, prioritizing vector control along with medical care. This includes the active participation of biologists with specialized training and knowledge on the behavior of the vector, and the design of interventions that adapt to the socioeconomic realities of the most affected areas, for which the CBP makes its professionals available awaiting the call of the ONCE.

Likewise, the decentralization of medical care for patients with less severe cases of dengue is recommended, allowing hospitals to focus on the most critical cases and reducing the risk of collapse in these centers.

CBP emphasizes the importance of robust epidemiological surveillance and strengthening the case reporting system to ensure a rapid and effective response. “The fight against dengue requires a coordinated effort that combines both vector management and clinical care, thus ensuring the health and well-being of our population,” Villa Robles concluded.