Representatives of the Medical College of Peru, Piura branch, expressed concern because so far this year, 93 deaths from pneumonia have been recorded in this region, exceeding the number reported last year.
The dean of the Regional Council, Jorge Espinoza, together with the Secretary of Public Health Advocacy of Piura, doctor Ciro García Vilela, gave an account of the health situation in the region.
García Vilela explained that, compared to previous years, we have not recovered the coverage we had, especially in pre-COVID-19 preventive situations, and this is being reflected in the impact on the population that is becoming ill.
“A clear example is what is being addressed in these circumstances of cold temperatures in the cases of deaths from pneumonia, which to date have been recorded at 93 (deaths), with the 48 (reported) in the months of the previous year (2023). That is, there is a double increase in deaths, but the number of cases has not increased, that is, the number of sick people is the same, but the number of deaths is greater,” said the Secretary of Incidence in Public Health of the Medical College of Peru, Piura, doctor Ciro García Vilela.
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He warned that one of the reasons is that the percentage of older adults who have been vaccinated against pneumonia reaches 31% and those who are not vaccinated run the greatest risk of becoming more seriously ill and dying.
The specialist also asked for a health alert to be issued to care for these patients who are getting sick. In addition, another strategy to improve the acceptance of vaccines to prevent further deaths and further complications in their health. Also to establish protocols and training to protect vulnerable people such as the elderly, pregnant women and people with comorbidities. At the same time, he asked the population to take care of themselves because there are suspected cases of whooping cough in the country, but the results are yet to be confirmed, although in Piura there have not yet been reported cases of this disease.
In addition, representatives of the Peruvian Medical Association in Piura reported that, regarding COVID-19, they currently report 71% coverage in this area, but there are 29% of people who should be vaccinated and have not done so. “It is enough for there to be 5% of unvaccinated people for there to be a risk of an outbreak,” García reported.
