The purpose of the Epidemiological Alerts is to disseminate information on recent public health events of international importance in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR (2005)). Most of these events are due to infectious agents, although they may also be related to contaminated goods, food safety, or of chemical or radionuclear origin. These PAHO alerts and reports, convey information on the regional situation and complement the Disease Outbreak News of the WHO headquarters, which provide worldwide updates.

The Epidemiological Alerts provide information on the occurrence of international public health events confirmed by Member States, as well as recommendations issued by the Pan American Health Organization with regards to the event.

The alerts date back to 2003 and are archived by year and disease.