The
Ministry of Health (Minsa) has issued an epidemiological alert in various regions across the country due to the risk of an increase in the number of Influenza A (H3N2) cases, in order to strengthen preventive measures and timely detection to control the spread of the virus.
The measure was adopted after 22 cases of said virus and one death (at a unit of the Peruvian Army in southern Lima), as well as an increase in acute respiratory infections (ARI), were reported.
In this respect, Minsa said that it is implementing measures to control and identify new suspected cases.
Other regions where Influenza A (H3N2) cases have been reported include Ayacucho and Piura. These cases were reported in epidemiological week (EW) 16-2022.
In this regard, Minsa's National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has issued a series of recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus.
Moreover, the CDC reported that infection control and timely epidemiological surveillance will be strengthened at public and private establishments throughout the country.
The aforementioned recommendations include identifying cases of severe or unusual acute respiratory infections, and monitoring the increase in cases or outbreaks of acute respiratory infections in populations inhabiting closed spaces (barracks, shelters, prisons, schools, nursing homes, cribs, among others).
Other recommendations include getting vaccinated against influenza and complying with biosafety measures for preventing the infection, such as the correct use of face masks, handwashing, and adequate ventilation in closed spaces, among others.
(END) NDP/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/26/2022