South American flu season sees rising cases and vaccination gaps

In Brazil's border region of Ponta Porã, the Ministry of Health reported that respiratory consultations remain above the average epidemic curve, with 2,723 influenza‑type illness visits and 388 hospitalizations for acute respiratory infections during epidemiological week 21. Sixteen percent of those hospitalized required intensive care, and the highest share of patients were adults aged 60+, followed by children aged 5‑19 and infants under two. Detected viruses included influenza A (H3N2), rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, metapneumovirus, an untyped influenza strain and SARS‑CoV‑2.

In Chile, national flu‑vaccination coverage reached 72.6% by early June, still short of the 85% target. Respiratory sample positivity rose to 45% in week 22, with influenza A accounting for over 27% of detections. Hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections increased among infants and children aged 5‑14. Health experts attribute the lag in vaccination to a declining public perception of risk and weaker communication campaigns, warning that higher coverage is needed to achieve herd immunity and protect vulnerable groups.