The Ministry of Health of Peru announced on April 5 that it is conducting several measles vaccination campaigns in the Puno region, targeting urban, rural, and border areas. The effort is being coordinated with the Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) Puno to protect public health.
The campaign focuses on children under 10 years old, who are receiving two doses of the combined vaccine for measles, rubella, and mumps according to the regular immunization schedule. Vaccination teams from various health networks—including Sandia, Melgar, Chucuito, Yunguyo, El Collao, Lampa, Azángaro, Huancané and Putina—are participating alongside integrated health networks from San Román, Puno and Carabaya.
To increase community awareness about the importance of vaccination, Diresa’s communications team is using loudspeaker announcements. Additionally, health promotion staff and community agents are providing educational talks at local healthcare facilities.
Following reports of measles cases in the area, a specialized technical team was quickly deployed by the ministry to strengthen epidemiological surveillance. This includes identifying and monitoring contacts of confirmed cases as well as vaccinating priority groups. The team also supports educational campaigns about symptoms and prevention measures while improving laboratory diagnosis capacity and overall response within local health services.
This multidisciplinary group consists of professionals from Peru’s National Center for Epidemiology (CDC), National Institute of Health (INS), Immunizations Directorate as well as departments focused on Indigenous Peoples’ Health Promotion and Communications within the ministry.
A Crisis Committee has been established with Diresa Puno and San Román Health Network to reinforce emergency response plans if new scenarios arise. The Ministry’s communications team continues to meet with regional communicators to optimize information-sharing strategies related to both education efforts and vaccine rollout.
Measles is described by authorities as a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis—and even death—especially among unvaccinated children. Main symptoms include fever accompanied by skin rash, cough or conjunctivitis; parents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if these signs appear.
