Peru declares 90‑day health emergency amid measles surge

The Peruvian government issued a Supreme Decree declaring a 90‑day health emergency in response to a measles outbreak that began with local transmission confirmed in the Puno region. The decree covers Lima Metropolitan, the Constitutional Province of Callao and 12 other regions: Puno, Arequipa, Cusco, Huancavelica, Moquegua, Amazonas, Loreto, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali, Madre de Dios and Apurímac.

Health officials reported more than 220 confirmed cases in the San Román province of Puno, with 224 total infections and six hospitalised patients, and a similar rise to 223 cases across the wider Puno region. National tallies indicate roughly 180‑224 cases, affecting children, adolescents and adults up to 59 years, highlighting long‑standing vaccination gaps.

The emergency empowers the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Health and regional health directorates to intensify vaccination campaigns, conduct extramural immunisation in vulnerable communities, enhance epidemiological surveillance, and enforce preventive measures such as mask use and hand hygiene. In districts where vaccination coverage falls below 90 %, authorities plan virtual schooling. Regional health offices, such as in Tacna, are reinforcing outreach despite no confirmed cases there. Officials warned that non‑compliance could allow the disease to become endemic.

Funding for urgent procurement of supplies and deployment of mobile brigades is authorised for the 90‑day period, with the possibility of extension if epidemiological conditions require it.