Chile reports highest respiratory virus positivity in three years

Chile has recorded its highest respiratory virus positivity rate in three years, reaching 57.9% during epidemiological week 34 (August 23–29, 2026). According to the Ministry of Health, the circulation of respiratory agents remains high, with Rhinovirus accounting for 33.5% of detections and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) at 27.6%.

Pediatric populations are being heavily impacted. In critical care pediatric beds, 41.2% of patients are presenting with respiratory pathologies. In the Ñuble region, the health service reported 25 hospitalizations of children under 15 due to respiratory causes during the same week, marking the highest weekly figure for 2026 in that area.

While some indicators, such as emergency room visits for acute lower respiratory infections, showed a slight decrease, health authorities emphasize that viruses continue to circulate widely. Officials are urging caregivers to maintain prevention measures and seek timely medical attention for severe symptoms.