Chile reports surge in respiratory viruses, hitting three-year high

Chile is experiencing an upward trend in respiratory viruses, with sample positivity reaching 57.9% during the week of August 23 to 29. This figure marks the highest level recorded in the last three years, surpassing the 56.1% reported the previous week.

Epidemiologist Érika Retamal Contreras from the University of Talca has advised increased prevention measures, particularly for infants and young children, as the country approaches the Fiestas Patrias holidays. Rhinovirus was the most detected agent at 33.5%, primarily affecting children aged 1 to 4, followed by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) at 27.6%.

While general emergency consultations for respiratory infections decreased by 4.6%, the Ministry of Health reported a 2.3% increase in consultations for infants under one year old. Similarly, hospitalizations for this age group rose by 5.5%. Currently, 41.2% of patients in pediatric intensive care units are being treated for respiratory pathologies.