Respiratory illnesses increase among children in Peru and Argentina

Health authorities in Peru and Argentina are monitoring respiratory illnesses in children. In Peru, the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (INSN) has reported an increase in cases of colds, flu, pneumonia, and asthma among minors. Specialists attribute this rise to sudden temperature fluctuations associated with the El Niño phenomenon, with the INSN emergency service recording between 140 and 180 daily admissions.

In Argentina, medical focus remains on bronchiolitis, an acute respiratory infection common in infants under one year old, often caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). While there are no specific antiviral treatments, the Ministry of Health provides access to Palivizumab for high-risk groups, such as premature infants and those with congenital heart disease. Additionally, as of March 2024, a vaccination strategy for pregnant women between weeks 32 and 36 has been implemented to prevent transmission.