He Ministry of Health recently announced that it had made the decision to declare an epidemiological alert for the flu H3N2also known as Influenza A, as a preventative measure just before the year-end celebrations.
“In view of the increase in international travel, internal mobilization and crowds typical of the year-end celebrations, Minsa has declared an epidemiological alert at the national level as a preventive measure against the likely importation and spread of diseases from other countries, including influenza A (H3N2) subclass K and measles,” the official statement said.
According to Minsa, “This alert aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, prevention, control and health response measures in all public and private health facilities in the country.”
The day before, the Ministry of Health announced that the real risk existed H3N2 flu in Peru remains under control despite recent increases Europe And USA.
The Peruvian Health Authority reported that although there were reports of increased virus circulation in other countries due to the winter season, the national scenario did not show any signs of concern.
Public concern arose after learning of the spread of the K variant of the virus in the Northern Hemisphere, where moments of Hospital saturation.
Luis Quiroz, Minister of Healthexplained that the behavior of the H3N2 flu In Peru the risk level is “mild to moderate”. However, he explained that surveillance systems in clinics and hospitals continue to monitor cases So far, not a single case of the K variant has been confirmed on Peruvian territory..
In addition, he emphasized that the country’s current warm climate is helping to contain the spread of the virus compared to the highest incidence recorded in the Northern Hemisphere.
According to official information, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported that the country recorded 49,609 confirmed cases of influenza A (H3N2) during the epidemiological week. Monitoring of these cases continues weekly to anticipate any relevant changes in the course of the disease.
The owner of the Minsa He emphasized that the Adults over 60 years old and the Children under five years old They are at the highest risk of complications from H3N2 because their immune response is reduced compared to the rest of the population.
In his opinion, “these segments are more likely to experience complications such as pneumonia, which may increase the demand for hospitalization and the use of beds in healthcare facilities.”
The infectologist Oscar Malpartida Tabuchifrom the Anglo American Clinic Infobae Peru that the clinical manifestations of the disease are often equated with a cold, but with more obvious symptoms.
To those from the World Health Organization (WHO) Data collected by authorities indicates high fever, dry cough, muscle aches, chills and some gastrointestinal complaints.
The specialist added that “H3N2 influenza mutates regularly and the emergence of variants leads to a possible lack of immunological memory in a part of the population.”
He accurate diagnosis H3N2 influenza, particularly to identify subvariants such as K, requires specific analyzes not available in conventional laboratories.
These tests are carried out in institutions such as Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health. Dr. Malpartida Tabuchi pointed out that “based on symptoms alone, we cannot distinguish whether it is an upper respiratory syndrome, a respiratory infection or a flu. To subtype whether it is the K variant, there are additional tests.”
The authorities of public health They stressed that health checks at airports and borders are not an effective measure because carriers in the asymptomatic phase can pass the screening filters.
According to the MinsaThe Vaccine The word currently in circulation in Peru corresponds to the same one used in Europe and the United States, with a 70% effectiveness according to scientific evidence.
The Minister Quiroz He added that the reporting in older adults Supply is around 60% and although there have been local shortages at times, supply is guaranteed at a national level.
No specific dose has yet been developed for the K variant. Nevertheless, the current vaccination protects against the most severe symptoms and reduces the risk of hospitalization.
Specialist Malpartida Tabuchi informs Infobae Peru that “the seasonal vaccination, which begins between March and April, will probably already contain a strain of the K variant.”
He Minsa reiterated the need for people belonging to risk groups – children under five, adults over sixty and patients with underlying health conditions – to visit facilities to complete their vaccination.
In line with the recommendations of the WHOHe Ministry of Health called on citizens to step up personal protective measuresThese include frequent handwashing, wearing masks when symptoms occur, avoiding work or school if signs of illness are present, and favoring rooms with good ventilation.
Travelers returning from countries with increased transmission of the pathogen, such as Europe either USAmonitor any respiratory symptoms and consult your doctor by recording your travel history.
The annual vaccination campaign and prevention strategies comply with international guidelines WHOwhich will be checked and adopted based on the prevailing viruses after the winter season.
The official announcement of the Minsa He insisted there was no evidence of more serious clinical symptoms or significant changes in the evolution of the disease nationally. The focus remains on regular monitoring and early care of cases across Peru to avoid overwhelming hospital capacity.
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