Public health services face rising demand in Mendoza and Balearic Islands

Public health systems in Mendoza, Argentina, and the Balearic Islands, Spain, are reporting increased pressure on medical services.

In Mendoza, the Hospital Humberto Notti is experiencing nearly 90% bed occupancy due to seasonal respiratory illnesses. A significant portion of patients, particularly infants and young children, require oxygen assistance. Data indicates that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) peaked in early August, with 75% of positive samples involving minors under 15. While the circulation of the virus has begun to decline, pediatric wards remain under high demand.

In the Balearic Islands, public health data from IB-Salut shows a 3.6% increase in hospital emergency visits during the summer of 2026 compared to the previous year. Total emergency attendances reached 158,485 between June and August. Additionally, primary care emergency consultations rose by 9,846. Officials attribute this increased demand to a growing floating population and an aging resident population with higher healthcare needs.