Update from Peru

This is the latest information we have on the Dengue Fever Epidemic here in Iquitos.

Over 7,500 people, the majority of them children, were treated for symptoms of dengue fever in the City’s hospitals during the period from 26^th December to the middle of February. An epidemic was declared and the Region of Loreto in which Iquitos City resides, was placed on a medical red alert.

The dengue fly lays its’ eggs on dirty and stagnant water, so the open sewers in side-streets and water-barrels in people’s homes and back yards are ideal breeding-grounds for thousands of dengue-mosquitoes. The tropical conditions, heat, rain and 95% humidity, provide a perfect incubation environment for the development of malaria, dengue and other tropical illnesses.

Up to a few days ago the 3 main hospitals really couldn’t cope.  They hadn’t got enough beds, or drips, or staff. Makeshift wards had to be constructed from sheets of plywood nailed together. There were pools of blood on the floors in corridors, dirty sheets, the hospitals themselves became sources of disease and infection.

In total there were around 65 deaths from the illness, although the Health Ministry and the Regional Government only attributed 13 deaths to the illness.  They do not want to alarm the local population and don’t want to see tourism to the area affected. The Regional President persuaded the national government not to declare the region in a State of Emergency as it would have automatically brought charges of insolvency, incapacity to govern, corruption, and calls for him to step down.

We are told to date, that the situation is now beginning to improve. One report said an average of 60 people a day were now reporting to the hospitals with dengue.  The city is pleased with these figures, saying that is much closer to the norm.  We are praying and believing God for the daily reports of dengue fever to go to zero.

We sincerely thank each of you who have supported us here with your prayers and giving.  We find it absolutely amazing (in other words GOD DID IT) that so few people have died, considering how many have been sick.  Thank you for your part in helping with this crisis.

Serving with Joy,

Jerry, Connie, & Kaitlyn

You may send your tax deductible donations to:

Adams Missionary Fund
Church on the Rock OKC
PO Box 720006
OKC, OK 73172-0006