Health alerts issued for hand, foot, and mouth disease in Bolivia and dengue in Paraguay

Health authorities in Oruro, Bolivia, have issued an epidemiological alert following the identification of 56 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease. The cases have been reported in both urban educational units and rural areas. Health officials, including Ana Cuéllar of the Departmental Health Service (Sedes), are conducting active surveillance and have coordinated interventions with local health centers and schools. Symptoms to monitor include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and vesicular lesions. Because there is no specific treatment, medical evaluation is recommended over self-medication.

In Paraguay, the General Directorate of Health Surveillance reports an increase in suspected dengue cases across 10 regions, including Central, Asunción, Itapúa, Paraguarí, San Pedro, Alto Paraná, Presidente Hayes, Concepción, Boquerón, and Cordillera. While the number of notifications has risen over the last three weeks, officials note that overall arbovirus circulation remains low. In 2026, Paraguay has recorded 293 diagnosed dengue cases, though no deaths or outbreaks have been reported in the last 21 days. Health authorities emphasize the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya.