# Latin America respiratory health updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chile-respiratory-virus-surge-and-vaccination-response > Updated: 2026-08-14T16:28:04.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 15. By early August, Chile’s test positivity climbed to 47 %, driven by rhinovirus and RSV, with influenza‑vaccination at 78 % and RSV‑vaccination reaching 97 % of the target infant cohort. In early August, Peru’s Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño reported an increase in colds, flu, pneumonia, and asthma among minors, with daily emergency admissions ranging between 140 and 180. Specialists linked this rise to temperature fluctuations caused by the El Niño phenomenon. In Argentina, medical focus remains on bronchiolitis in infants, with the Ministry of Health providing Palivizumab to high-risk groups and utilizing a vaccination strategy for pregnant women to prevent transmission. Prevention efforts have intensified in Ecuador and Chile. In Ecuador’s Tungurahua, the Ministry of Public Health is promoting the RSV vaccine for pregnant women between the 26th and 38th weeks of gestation to protect infants via placental antibody transfer. Meanwhile, Chile’s O’Higgins Region reported the circulation of six different viruses, including rhinovirus, RSV, influenza A and B, adenovirus, and metapneumovirus. Chilean authorities have expanded influenza vaccine access and continue to urge hygiene and ventilation practices. By mid-August, RSV emerged as a primary driver of pediatric hospitalizations in Paraguay and Argentina. In Paraguay, RSV is the leading cause of admissions for children under two, with reports of 1,423 hospitalizations for acute respiratory infections and 28 deaths associated with various viruses. Co-circulation of Metapneumovirus, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, and Influenza has also been noted. In Argentina, RSV is fueling a sustained rise in bronchiolitis, accounting for over 65,000 cases and 2,267 hospitalizations. In response, the province of Córdoba has deployed approximately 10,000 doses of nirsevimab to protect newborns and high-risk infants. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rsv-drives-rising-pediatric-hospitalizations-in-paraguay-and-argentina ### 2026-08-11: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/respiratory-virus-prevention-efforts-intensify-in-ecuador-and-chile ### 2026-08-09: 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. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/respiratory-illnesses-increase-among-children-in-peru-and-argentina ### 2026-08-06: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-sees-rise-in-rhinovirus-and-rsv-infections ### 2026-07-27: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-sees-rise-in-infant-hospitalizations-due-to-respiratory-syncytial-virus ### 2026-07-20: 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. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-and-panama-health-ministries-warn-of-respiratory-infections ### 2026-07-12: 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 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ventilation-not-cold-key-to-winter-respiratory-illness-prevention ### 2026-07-07: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-health-officials-warn-of-rsv-surge-as-school-term-resumes ### 2026-07-03: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-hemisphere-influenza-and-rsv-surge-prompts-vaccination-push ### 2026-06-25: 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 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rosario-argentina-and-ecuador-health-reports-identify-leading-medical-issues ### 2026-06-24: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-health-officials-urge-winter-precautions-and-vaccination ### 2026-06-19: 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. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-paraguay-urge-flu-shots-as-respiratory-viruses-surge ### 2026-06-18: 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 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hospital-biprovincial-quillota-petorca-launches-2026-winter-health-campaign-with-staff-boost ### 2026-06-09: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-issues-health-alerts-for-canine-distemper-in-coquimbo-and-respiratory-disease-vaccination-in-s ### 2026-06-04: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chiles-respiratory-virus-surge-prompts-winter-vaccination-campaign --- Cite as: Latin America respiratory health updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chile-respiratory-virus-surge-and-vaccination-response