Panama faces RSV surge with 18 deaths and hospital bed shortages

Panama is facing a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, resulting in 18 deaths as of epidemiological week 31. The fatalities include 16 children under the age of five and two individuals over 65. The highest concentration of deaths has been reported in the Ngäbe Buglé comarca, Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, and Panamá Oeste.

Health authorities noted that many of the deceased children's mothers had not received the recommended vaccination during pregnancy. Comorbidities such as heart disease and nutritional status have also been cited as complicating factors. To combat the spread, the Ministry of Health plans to reinforce vaccination for pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and utilize monoclonal antibodies for pediatric care.

The Hospital del Niño is currently operating at high capacity with 401 patients hospitalized, including 61 with RSV. Of these, 23 are in intensive care. Due to the shortage of available beds, the hospital has temporarily suspended complex elective surgeries that require hospitalization, though emergency and urgent procedures will continue.