Zoonotic influenza in Peru: the need for active surveillance in exposed humans

Vargas-Herrera N.; Lizarraga W.; Hurtado V.; Parys A.; Fiestas-Solorzano V. · Acta Medica Peruana (2026) · DOI: 10.35663/amp.2026.432.4265

Resumen

Zoonotic influenza viruses, including highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1), represent occupational and public health hazards to highly exposed individuals, with hundreds of human infections reported worldwide. Although there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, interspecies spread increases the likelihood of genetic reassortment and viral adaptation, potentially increasing virulence and the risk of an emerging pandemic. Peru, a coastal country with extensive avian biodiversity and an informal poultry industry, could be considered highly vulnerable to zoonotic influenza. Nevertheless, despite massive viral circulation among birds and mammals in recent years, including the 2022-2023 outbreak, no human cases have been detected to date. Current surveillance strategies for timely infection identification in occupationally exposed human populations remain passive and are only triggered during animal outbreaks. The objective of this brief communication is to highlight the urgent need to implement an active human surveillance system in high-risk populations in Peru to reinforce pandemic preparedness and protect human and animal health. This includes genomic surveillance, capacity building, widespread use of personal protective equipment, and intersectoral collaboration with the One Health approach.