[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [HEALTH]

21 clusters · 74 sources · 115 days · First seen · Last updated

Respiratory virus trends in Latin America

Overview

By late August, Chile recorded its highest respiratory virus positivity rate in three years, reaching 57.9% during epidemiological week 34. Rhinovirus and RSV were the primary drivers. In Paraguay, 28 deaths were linked to the simultaneous circulation of rhinovirus, RSV, and metapneumovirus, bringing the 2026 total to 194 deaths.

In Costa Rica, the National Children's Hospital (HNN) has faced extreme demand, with occupancy rates reaching up to 122% and a fully occupied Intensive Care Unit. The HNN has recorded 13 deaths this year, primarily in children under four, caused by RSV, influenza A, Covid-19, rhinovirus, and adenovirus. Nationally, over 6,500 cases of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) have been recorded in children under five.

In Brazil, the Ministry of Health reported 1,454 SARI hospitalizations in recent weeks and 233 deaths so far in 2026. Rhinovirus is the predominant virus, followed by RSV and metapneumovirus. Admissions most frequently involve children under two (28%) and adults over 60 (23%).

In Argentina, while influenza cases are declining—with a higher proportion of influenza B being detected—RSV remains the primary cause of SARI hospitalizations. During epidemiological week 36, RSV accounted for 326 out of 891 studied hospitalization cases, significantly outpacing influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The impact of RSV is concentrated among children under two. In Tucumán, health officials continue to monitor respiratory viruses alongside international measles trends.

Entities

Respiratory Syncytial Virus · Ministry of Health of Chile · Argentina · Chile · Ministry of Health

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Argentina reports decline in influenza as RSV drives hospitalizations

    In Argentina, influenza cases are declining, but Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains the leading cause of respiratory-related hospitalizations, particularly among young children.

  2. 6 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Respiratory infections drive rising hospitalizations and deaths in Costa Rica and Brazil

    Severe respiratory infections are causing rising hospitalizations and deaths in Costa Rica and Brazil, primarily impacting children under five and adults over 60.

  3. 26 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Argentina expands RSV vaccination as respiratory illnesses surge

    Argentina faces a surge in respiratory illnesses as RSV drives a 187% increase in pediatric consultations in Neuquén, prompting extended RSV and Nirsevimab vaccination deadlines in Córdoba.

  4. 27 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Respiratory viruses cause rising deaths and hospitalizations in Paraguay and Costa Rica

    Respiratory viruses like rhinovirus and RSV are causing rising hospitalizations and deaths in Paraguay and Costa Rica, prompting health officials to urge increased vaccination and preventive measures.

  5. 29 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Chile reports highest respiratory virus positivity in three years

    Chile reports its highest respiratory virus positivity in three years at 57.9%, with significant impacts on pediatric hospitalizations and high circulation of Rhinovirus and RSV.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Neuquén reports 85% increase in pediatric RSV consultations

    Pediatric consultations in Neuquén, Argentina, have risen by 85% over the last month due to a surge in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections among infants and young children.

  7. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 8 sources
    RSV drives rising pediatric hospitalizations in Paraguay and Argentina

    Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is driving high rates of pediatric hospitalizations in Paraguay and Argentina, prompting new preventative measures like monoclonal antibody use in Córdoba.

  8. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Respiratory virus prevention efforts intensify in Ecuador and Chile

    Health officials in Ecuador and Chile are promoting vaccinations and preventive measures to combat the circulation of respiratory viruses like RSV and influenza.

  9. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Respiratory illnesses increase among children in Peru and Argentina

    Health officials report rising respiratory infections in children due to climate fluctuations and viral activity, with specific concerns regarding pneumonia in Peru and bronchiolitis in Argentina.

  10. about 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Chile sees rise in rhinovirus and RSV infections

    Chile's health agency reports a rise in rhinovirus and RSV, with test positivity at 47% and children 1‑4 years most affected; officials stress preventive steps and vaccination.

  11. 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Argentina sees rise in infant RSV hospitalizations as flu cases decline

    Argentina's latest bulletin reports falling flu cases and a surge in RSV‑driven infant hospitalizations, with RSV now the top respiratory virus while SARS‑CoV‑2 stays low.

  12. 2 months ago

    [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Chile and Panama health ministries warn of respiratory infections

    Health ministries in Chile and Panama warned of rising respiratory illnesses—Chile after La Tirana urged masks, vaccination and hygiene; Panama cautioned about RSV in infants and advised basic care.

  13. 3 months ago

    [HEALTH] 9 sources
    Southern Hemisphere Winter Sees Surge in Influenza Cases

    Winter in the Southern Hemisphere brings a surge in influenza A and B, prompting health officials in Argentina and Chile to urge vaccination, early treatment, and better indoor ventilation to curb respiratory‑d

  14. 3 months ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Chile health officials warn of RSV surge as school term resumes

    Chile's health services warn of a possible RSV and flu rise as schools reopen, citing declining consultations but high virus positivity, especially in Magallanes where RSV leads with 33% of cases.

  15. 3 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Southern Hemisphere influenza and RSV surge prompts vaccination push

    PAHO/WHO alert warns of rising influenza A(H3N2), B and RSV in the Southern Hemisphere, urging vaccination; Chile’s Magallanes region reports 41.5% virus positivity and calls for higher vaccine uptake.

  16. 3 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Rosario, Argentina and Ecuador health reports identify leading medical issues

    Health reports from Rosario, Argentina and Ecuador highlight seasonal respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, rising chronic disease burden, and the push for preventive habits and medical insurance to curb

  17. 3 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Chile health officials urge winter precautions and vaccination

    Chile's health officials warn that winter raises respiratory infections and falls, urging vaccination, hand‑washing, ventilation, masks, early treatment and proper dressing to protect vulnerable groups.

  18. 3 months ago

    [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Chile, Paraguay urge flu shots as respiratory viruses surge

    Chile’s Maule region and Paraguay report rising respiratory‑virus cases, prompting officials to push free flu vaccinations and basic preventive measures amid hospitalisations and deaths.

  19. 4 months ago

    [HEALTH] 14 sources
    Latin American health services boost respiratory disease prevention as cases rise

    Latin American health agencies expand surveillance, vaccination and staffing to curb rising respiratory illnesses, with notable surges reported in Paraguay and preventive campaigns in Colombia, Argentina and CH

  20. 4 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Chile issues health alerts for canine distemper in Coquimbo and respiratory disease vaccination in Santiago

    Chile reports a canine distemper outbreak in Coquimbo and launches a vaccination drive in Santiago’s Vega Central to fight rising respiratory illnesses.

  21. 4 months ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Chile's Respiratory Virus Surge Prompts Winter Vaccination Campaign

    Chile reports 41% respiratory virus positivity, prompting a winter vaccination push and preventive measures, especially in the Magallanes region.

Sources

baoquangtri.vn · cadenadial.com · comunicaciontucuman.gob.ar · consultorsalud.com · dgvs.mspbs.gov.py · diariocambios.com · diariocorreo.pe · diariodeavisos.elespanol.com · diariodelsur.com.co · diarioelcentro.cl · diarioelheraldo.cl · diariolavozdelchaco.com · diariolibre.com · diarioparaguayo.com · diarioprensa.com.ar · diariovictoria.com.ar · dominicanrepublicpost.com · elcorreord.com · elheraldo.com.ec · elinsular.cl · elmauleinforma.cl · elnuevodiario.com.do · elpinguino.com · elpopular.pe · elrancaguino.cl · elsolnoticias.com.ar · eltrabajo.cl · elvalleinformativo.com · enlalinea.cl · ensemblepourlaville.be · esnoticiapr.com · expectativa.ec · formation-continue.ch · g5noticias.cl · gacetamexicana.com · hoy.com.do · hoydia.com.ar · hsbnoticias.com · immedicohospitalario.es · independiente.com.py · infoecos.com.ar · infogl.com.ar · jcmagazine.com · ladiscusion.cl · lagacetasalta.com.ar · lahora.cl · laopinion.com · laopiniononline.cl

This summary has been updated 10 times: see revision history