Peruvian officials declared a Zika health emergency in 11states across the northern half of their country after confirming that 102 people have been infected with the virus. The emergency was announced in the official gazette El Peruano, which said the health ministry and local authorities were working to prevent the spread of the disease, which is principally transmitted by mosquitos.

• The government’s declaration of 90-day emergency facilitates the allocation of almost $6 million to combat the spread of the virus. The health ministry said there are currently 102 confirmed cases of Zika in the country, 34 of which are pregnant women. At least 63 of the infections are located in the Jaen province of Cajamarca, near Peru’s border with Ecuador.

• A major Zika outbreak in neighbouring Brazil, where nearly 1,600 babies have been born with the birth defect, has prompted concerns for athletes and visitors ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month.

• Peru’s government has already spent nearly $10 million this year in combating the Zika virus as the region saw outbreaks in neighbouring countries including Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.

• The Zika virus is carried by the same mosquito species which spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. More than 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have registered cases of native Zika since 2014.

• Zika causes only mild symptoms in most patients, the virus has been linked to microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads. Zika has also been linked to eye defects, hearing loss and impaired growth. If you are worried about this ongoing crisis spreading abroad closer to home and the affects of Zika, then make sure that you are hiring professional pest controllers to deal with infestations. You could search for a local professional by search in a term such as pest control in NYC or pest control in LA for direction to the relevant local help. Always make sure the professionals you hire are fully licensed and authorised to carry out this service in your state or country.

PERU:

Capital : Lima

Currency: Peruvian nuevo sol