The Ministry of Health of Peru announced on March 18 that it is intensifying its monitoring, training, and health response actions against leptospirosis, a disease linked to humidity and flooding. The ministry aims to protect public health, especially in the most affected regions.
This initiative comes as 841 cases of leptospirosis have been reported nationwide up to the ninth epidemiological week of 2026. Of these cases, 60 percent are considered probable and 40 percent confirmed. The regions with the highest incidence include Loreto, Madre de Dios, Tumbes, Ucayali, San Martín, Amazonas, Ayacucho, Huánuco, and Cusco. There have also been three confirmed deaths in Piura, San Martín, and Tumbes.
In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health is working through its various departments and in coordination with regional health directorates to strengthen healthcare worker training and laboratory diagnostics. More than 300 health professionals from several regions participated in a national training session focused on epidemiological surveillance and clinical management of leptospirosis. The ministry said this led to significant improvements in post-training evaluations.
Detailed analysis is being conducted on fatal cases to identify ways to improve care. These efforts include technical meetings, sending recommendations, and ongoing follow-up with affected regions. To enhance laboratory diagnosis capabilities, the National Institute of Health will distribute 500 ELISA IgM test kits for detecting leptospirosis and promote molecular testing (PCR) across different parts of the country.
Community interventions are also underway to promote healthy practices among families in prioritized areas through home counseling sessions and educational activities. The formation of community surveillance committees is being encouraged to increase citizen participation.
The Ministry recommends that people avoid contact with stagnant or contaminated water, use proper protection in flooded areas, maintain good hygiene practices, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or muscle pain.
