pneumonia Cases Surge in Peru,Reaching Post-Pandemic Highs
Lima,peru – Pneumonia cases and hospitalizations in Peru have reached their highest levels as the COVID-19 pandemic,according to data from the Ministry of Health (MINSA) analyzed by ECDATA. The surge is impacting regions across the country, with the Amazon region experiencing the highest contagion rates in over 60 years, followed by areas in the Sierra Sur and Norte, including Apurímac, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, and Cusco.
ECDATA’s analysis reveals that infection rates among vulnerable populations in 2024 are exceeding levels seen during previous years of the pandemic. On average, pneumonia is affecting 87 out of 10,000 children and 65 out of 10,000 individuals over 60 years old, according to MINSA data.
The increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including decreased adherence to respiratory protection measures and lower vaccination coverage, notably among older children and adults, explained Virginia Garaycochea, vice-dean of the Medical College of Peru (CMP).
“Immunization coverage in vulnerable groups, in the 5-year group are low and we know that within the vaccines are those of the pneumococcus and those of viral influenza,” Garaycochea stated.”This preventive and promotional part is failing and in older adults to, they have to vaccinate against influenza every year.”
She also noted that misinformation surrounding vaccinations is contributing to lower coverage rates, especially in remote areas like Datem del Marañon (loreto). “The largest respiratory infections in remote areas…are due to the fact that vaccination coverage is lower than the average and there are fears of the population of vaccinating children for apparent side effects,” Garaycochea said.
The situation is occurring under the current governance of President Dina Boluarte and is being monitored by health authorities including Essalud, Peru’s social health insurance system. The rise in pneumonia cases raises concerns about the ongoing impact of respiratory illnesses in the post-pandemic era.