Zika virus fears lead authorities to fumigate entire stadium in Peru

The move was made ahead of the Copa Libertadores match between Cesar Vallejo and Sao Paulo

A view of the action at the Mansiche stadium between Vallejo and Sao Paulo (GETTY IMAGES)

Fears over the outbreak of the Zika virus in South America prompted an entire stadium in Peru to be fumigated ahead of a prestigious Copa Libertadores match.

Officials moved in ahead of Wednesday night's match between Cesar Vallejo and Brazilian side Sao Paulo at the 20,000 capacity Mansiche stadium. The game, in the play-off round of South America's equivalent of the Champions League, ended 1-1.

In addition to fumigating the stadium, Sao Paulo's team doctor was questioned about his players' health when the Brazilian squad entered the Andean nation the day before the game.

Officials across Latin America are battling the disease, which is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and authorities have launched campaigns to eradicate the larvae that gather in standing water.

The outbreak is now affecting at least 25 countries and territories, most of them in Latin America and the Caribbean, and could infect up to four million people in the Americas, according to the World Health Organization.

Peru registered its first case last week and thousands more have been reported in Brazil.

The second leg of the tie takes place next Wednesday in Sao Paulo, with the winner moving on to the group stages.

Additional reporting by Reuters