Panama Oeste reports 36 RSV cases, three infants remain hospitalized

Panama Oeste has confirmed 36 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Three infants, aged between two and eight months, are still in hospital, and one of them was transferred to the Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel in Panama City after his condition worsened. Hospitalizations have declined over the past week.

Regional epidemiology coordinator Lorena Merlo emphasized the importance of vaccinating pregnant women so antibodies can protect newborns. The RSV vaccine is offered Monday‑Friday at Ministry of Health and Caja de Seguro Social facilities, with additional weekend vaccination points in La Constancia, Arraiján and the Mariano Rivera health fair in La Chorrera. Vaccination is also available to adults over 60. Authorities recommend mask use, frequent hand washing, surface cleaning and avoiding close contact with infants when experiencing respiratory symptoms.