Altitude and COVID-19

Can altitude reduce infection rate among Andean population?

A study published on April analyzing infection rates on high-altitude regions (+2,500 meters / 8200 feet above sea level) presents the hypothesis that high-altitude inhabitants  are less susceptible to develop severe adverse effect in COVID-19 virus infection. Read article here: Does the pathogenesis of SAR-CoV-2 virus decrease at high-altitude?

A later comment on that study mentions other factors that could contribute to the lower infection rates in high-altitude regions which are also interesting to keep in mind: Read comment here: Caution is needed on the effect of altitude on the pathogenesis of SAR-CoV-2 virus

And finally a group of doctors from Cusco also comment on other social, demographic, risk factors or health variables that should be considered for further research. Read letter here: Propagation by COVID-19 at high altitude: Cusco case

As much as we hope that hypothesis turns out to be true and that llama farmers do not need to face yet another challenge, we believe it is still too early to conclude infection rates are low as our infection process has just begun. Currently (June 1st 2020) infections on rural areas are mostly on the first fase of spread.

For now we are staying focused on promoting preventive health measures and developing our long term goals which will help llama farmers access fair work once tourism and the economy in general start re-activating.

If you would like to learn more about current state of COVID-19 in Peru and why we are currently one of the most hard hit countries despite an early government reaction we recommend you read this article: Peru seemed to do everything right. So how did it become a Covid-19 hotspot? which also explains why it has been so difficult for our government to provide help to the areas that need it the most.

Through the Llama Pack Project we will keep working hard to help Andean llama farmers through these difficult times. Thank you for your continuous support!