The Ministry of Health of Peru announced on March 20 the issuance of Epidemiological Alert AE–CDC-N°004-2026 due to an increased risk of leptospirosis in regions experiencing heavy rainfall. The alert, released through the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control, aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, case detection, treatment, and health response across both public and private healthcare facilities.
This measure covers districts in regions declared under emergency status, including Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Ica, Junín, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martín, Tacna, Tumbes and Ucayali.
According to the ministry’s statement: “Se fortalecerá las acciones de vigilancia e investigación epidemiológica… realizar el diagnóstico molecular mediante la técnica de PCR… a través del Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional de Metaxénicas y Zoonosis Bacterianas.” The ministry also said it will provide technical assistance for organizing health services and reinforce training for healthcare professionals to ensure timely monitoring and care for patients with leptospirosis. Additional measures include water quality surveillance with a focus on disinfection at both service provider and household levels; information campaigns; promotion and prevention activities; redistribution and supply of pharmaceuticals; medical devices; sanitary products; among other actions.
Leptospirosis is described as an infectious disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria. It spreads to humans through contact with water or soil contaminated by urine from infected animals—especially when there are open wounds or contact with mucous membranes such as eyes or mouth. Symptoms can include high fever, severe headache and muscle pain (notably in the lower back and legs), abdominal pain, red eyes, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
The ministry recommends avoiding bathing or playing in puddles or ditches. In case of accidental exposure to potentially contaminated water or mud: “lavarse inmediatamente con abundante agua y jabón.” Other recommendations include wearing rubber boots in flooded areas; covering water storage containers; disposing garbage in closed bags to prevent rodents; washing hands before preparing food; and coordinating community clean-up campaigns.
As of Epidemiological Week 10 this year there have been 1,5 cases reported nationwide with five deaths (three confirmed) from Piura, San Martín, Tumbes, and Junín.
