Peru declares health alert amid monkeypox outbreak in some countries

LIMA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Peruvian government declared a health alert on Thursday amid the outbreak of the monkeypox virus in some parts of the world, although no cases have been detected in the country so far, Health Minister Jorge Lopez said.

"We don't have any cases here, but we are making the declaration to prevent any eventuality," the official told the media during an activity in Lima.

He explained that the measure will involve the National Institute of Health and the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control taking action on the care and monitoring of the population.

The Health Ministry is also evaluating the possibility of purchasing vaccines to immunize residents against the disease, Lopez added.