Dengue outbreaks cause rising deaths in El Salvador and Peru

Dengue fever outbreaks are causing rising mortality and infection rates in El Salvador and Peru.

In El Salvador, health authorities have confirmed three deaths related to the virus in 2026. Epidemiological reports indicate a significant surge in suspected cases, rising from 66 weekly alerts in early June to 329 by mid-September. The Ministry of Health has reported 48 confirmed cases, with the DENV3 serotype currently circulating. Children and adolescents, particularly those aged 5 to 19, are identified as the most vulnerable demographic.

In the Lambayeque region of Peru, the Regional Health Management (Geresa) has confirmed 14 deaths and more than 4,300 confirmed cases. Recent fatalities include a 92-year-old woman from Chiclayo. Health officials report that 20 patients are currently hospitalized with severe symptoms or hemorrhaging. Authorities are urging the public to avoid self-medication and to cooperate with larval control efforts in residential areas to prevent mosquito breeding.