Health alert targets disease risks
Peru’s Health Ministry has issued an epidemiological alert over health risks associated with El Niño 2026-2027, Gestion reported. The measure is intended to reinforce surveillance and the response capacity of public and private health facilities. Rain and flooding could impede access to water, contaminate supplies, disrupt sanitation and promote the spread of disease.
The country recorded 71,256 dengue cases through epidemiological week 40 of 2026, a 122% increase from the same period in 2025. Reported leptospirosis cases rose 85.5% to 13,235, while 1,159,363 episodes of acute diarrhoeal disease represented an 11.3% year-on-year increase.
The alert calls for stronger early detection, laboratory diagnosis and mosquito control, along with adequate supplies of medicines and trained personnel. The response also covers malaria and measles and includes strengthening vaccination promotion and coordination with regional and local governments.
Northern coast faces heavier rain forecast
Senamhi expects more intense rain from October 24 to 26, according to RPP Noticias. Daily totals could approach 80 millimetres in the provinces of Tumbes and Zarumilla, exceed 50mm in Sullana and Piura, and surpass 30mm in the highlands of Piura.
The rainfall could be localised and particularly intense in some areas. Senamhi said urban flooding and the activation of ravines were possible, along with a potential rise in river flows in the Tumbes region. It advised regional and local authorities to maintain preparedness and response measures in areas exposed to flooding, overflows and ravine activity.