Health authorities in Peru have declared a nationwide epidemiological alert in anticipation of the likely entry into the country of diseases such as influenza A H3N2 subtype K and measles, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported.

The ministry stated in a press release that this measure has been taken due to the increase in international travel, internal movement, and the crowds typical of the end-of-year festivities.

The measure establishes specific actions in epidemiological surveillance, laboratory testing, immunizations, communication, health promotion, and health operations, with the objective of guaranteeing “a timely response from the health system.”

In this regard, the population was advised to stay up-to-date with their vaccination schedule, especially against measles, adopt preventive measures against respiratory infections, and go to the nearest health facility if symptoms appear.

The Ministry of Health reported last Thursday that it had activated its surveillance protocols due to the “mild to moderate” risk of cases of influenza A H3N2 subtype K in the country, even though this variant has not yet been identified in South America.

The ministry clarified that this virus circulates in the northern hemisphere during the winter season and that the warm climate of South America “limits its massive spread.”

It added that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence of greater severity in this subtype, although I have recommended that people returning from Europe or the United States be alert for possible respiratory symptoms.

The centers for disease prevention and control in Europe have reported that cases have appeared in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy three to four weeks earlier than usual.