Panama reports 9,679 dengue cases and 64 influenza deaths

Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) has reported 9,679 confirmed cases of dengue and 64 deaths associated with influenza through epidemiological week 38 of 2026. While dengue cases have seen a 20% decrease compared to the same period in 2025, the disease remains a significant health concern, particularly in the Colón and Metropolitan regions, which recorded 2,329 and 2,291 cases respectively.

Regarding influenza, the annual death toll has reached 64. Data indicates that 57.8% of those who died were men, and 60.9% were aged 65 or older. A significant majority of the deceased (98.4%) had not received an influenza vaccination during the current season, and 82.5% had also missed the 2025 season vaccination. Most fatalities presented risk factors such as advanced age and metabolic, cardiovascular, or renal comorbidities.

Other respiratory illnesses reported include 32,384 cumulative cases of flu-like syndrome and 16,060 cases of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) for the year. Health authorities continue to urge the population to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and maintain up-to-date vaccinations to mitigate transmission.