The Actual Situation of Covid-19 Infection at High Altitudes in Perú

This study aimed to reveal the evolution and characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic in high-altitude areas of Perú. An observational, descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study based on information from the Peruvian Ministry of Health, COVID-19 Situational Room, warning from the National Epidemiology Center, Prevention and Disease Control, and the Panamerican Health Organization (PAHO) was conducted to analyze the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Perú from the beginning of the pandemic until March 7, 2022. In this period, 31,635,319 people were examined, 3,637,529 were infected, and 213,551 died from the disease, with a lethality index of 5.87%. Perú is now the country most affected by the pandemic in South America. The data showed heterogeneity in prevalence across the country, with higher altitudes having lower prevalence than coastal and jungle areas, which was related to climatic circumstances and social factors. The situation was complicated by the severe spread of the pandemia, which caused a surge in demand for health services and intensive care units, loss of workplaces and increased levels of poverty. A notable result was a decrease in the prevalence and mortality of the COVID-19 pandemic at high altitudes in Perú compared to the coastal and jungle areas.