Peru Issues National Measles Alert Amid Rising Cases and Contagion Risk

Peru's Ministry of Health (Minsa) has declared a national epidemiological alert in response to a significant increase in measles cases and the heightened risk of community transmission. The alert, issued through the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention, and Disease Control, targets all healthcare providers across the country and aims to intensify preventive measures, surveillance, and vaccination campaigns.

The ministry is particularly concerned about the upcoming weeks, which include major events such as the second round of presidential elections, the Inti Raymi festival in Cusco, and the San Juan festival in the Amazon. These gatherings, involving large movements of people, are expected to increase the potential for the virus to spread. Additionally, the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, poses a risk of imported cases, prompting Minsa to recommend measles vaccination at least two weeks prior to any international travel.

As of June 4, Peru has recorded 501 confirmed measles cases, with the majority concentrated in 41 districts across eight regions. The Puno region is the most severely affected, accounting for 96.59% of reported cases. Minsa's action plan includes daily monitoring of immunization progress, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, and launching public information campaigns to counter vaccine misinformation. The ministry emphasizes the need for prompt action to prevent further expansion of the virus, especially in Lima Metropolitana, Callao, and regions like Arequipa, Cusco, and Loreto.