Lima, July 16 (teleSUR-RHC)-- The cold wave hitting northern Peru has caused the death of 15 children under five years old, while fostering a pandemic of respiratory diseases through the year, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

The children all died from pneumonia, with 431 cases of children reported to suffer from this condition to date – and almost 40,000 have respiratory issues, the ministry added.

Temperatures in the region of Puno have plunged to about 20 degrees below zero in the most remote areas. “Cases of acute respiratory infections and pneumonias have been increasing compared with last year. Our first reaction has been to send health brigades to the affected areas,” said Julian Slas Portocarrero, regional health director of Puno.

People under five years old and over 60 are considered most vulnerable to extreme weather.