Deaths due to pneumonia in the over-60s group in Junín increased by 118%. These figures are reported by the Epidemiology area of Diresa Junín, in 2024, in comparison to the same period in 2023.
To date, a total of 110 deaths from pneumonia have been recorded in Junín. Some 85 deceased people over 60 years of age come from Junín and the districts with the most cases are Huancayo, El Tambo, Chilca, Jauja and Chupaca.
In 2023, 39 deaths in older adults had been reported during this period. However, in 2024, there were already 85 victims, with a difference of 118%. Of the total number of victims, 13 come from other regions: Huancavelica (10), Lima (2) and Loreto (1).
explains. Epidemiologist Luis Tello Dávila said that adults over 60 years of age are the most vulnerable group, because in addition to pneumonia they suffer from other comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and other diseases that complicate their situation, since their immune system is weakened.
So much so that they end up hospitalized due to the complications they present. In 2024, 360 older adults were hospitalized.
In addition, many of them are brought to medical attention too late. Another problem is that despite being a vulnerable population, they have not received the annual vaccine against influenza and pneumococcus, which protects them from severe forms of IRAS and pneumonia. The Carrión Hospital is the establishment that reports the highest number of deaths.
Children. As for deaths in children under 5 years of age, in 2023, 15 deaths were reported, while in 2024, there are already 9 victims, with a decrease of 40%.
Among the districts with the most deaths are Tarma, Río Tambo, Pichanaqui, Apata, Pangoa, Comas and Sicaya.
iras. Regarding acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age, in 2023, 50,520 cases were reported. While in 2024, it decreased to 46,828 (-7%).
In children under 5 years of age, 494 cases of pneumonia were reported in 2023 and 357 in 2024. In 2023, 311 patients were hospitalized and in 2024, 206 patients were admitted.
Pneumonia is spread by direct contact (person to person) through contact with nasopharyngeal secretions (droplets) from an infected person.
Epidemiologist Luis Tello Dávila urged people to take preventive measures such as washing their hands and avoiding crowds. Finally, when a person has symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or nasal congestion, they should immediately go to a health center to be seen by a doctor.
