The region of Ucayali has been placed under a 60-day state of emergency, after the region’s epidemiology agency found increasing cases of the dengue virus.

According to RPP, the Ucayali Regional Health Board reported 3 deaths, and 50 thousand cases of the dengue virus since October 2011.

Regional director Orison Leveau said Ucayali’s council had unanimously approved the state of emergency.

The dengue virus is transmitted by several species of mosquito within the Aedes genus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a skin rash that is similar to measles.

There are currently no approved vaccines, or specific treatment, for the dengue virus.

According to El Comercio, 1.4 million soles have been used to buy fumigation equipment, hiring epidemiology specialists, and initiating awareness campaigns.

Leveau urged all citizens to keep their homes clean and to regularly empty out water containers, where mosquitoes often lay eggs.