Chile health officials warn of rising influenza cases in Antofagasta and Maule

In the Antofagasta region, health authorities reported a 13.8% increase in emergency department visits for respiratory illness week‑over‑week, with Influenza A accounting for 29.9% of detected cases. Vaccination coverage in the region stands at 74.4%, but remains low among children aged 6 months to 5 years (57.1%) and adults over 60 (58.7%). Officials urged the inoculation of roughly 22,000 children and more than 41,000 older adults still pending vaccination.

In the Maule region, the public health service recorded a 53.02% viral positivity rate, the highest of the season. Overcrowded living conditions were highlighted as a key driver of transmission for influenza B (27.73%), influenza A (26.14%) and other respiratory viruses. The service warned that such environments increase the risk of severe illness for infants, seniors and people with chronic diseases, and called for reinforced preventive measures at home.