# Respiratory infection surges in Latin America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/respiratory-infection-surges-in-latin-america
> Updated: 2026-10-27T01:53:59.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 4.

Multiple countries in Latin America are experiencing surges in acute respiratory infections, leading to increased hospitalizations and healthcare strain. In Paraguay, health authorities reported over 5,400 consultations for influenza-like illnesses and 1,106 hospitalizations for severe acute respiratory infections over a four-week period. Rhinovirus has been identified as the predominant virus among hospitalized patients, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and metapneumovirus. Approximately 16% of hospitalized patients in Paraguay required intensive care, with the most affected groups being adults aged 60 and older (27%) and children under two years old (24%). The Ministry of Health confirmed 22 deaths during this period, contributing to a yearly total of 257 deaths associated with respiratory viruses. In Argentina, the Ministry of Health reported that influenza-like illness (ILI) cases have surpassed one million for 2026, with an incidence rate of 2,385.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. While RSV remains the predominant virus among hospitalized patients under surveillance, recent data indicates a decline in the circulation of respiratory viruses and a weekly reduction in pneumonia cases. In Costa Rica and Colombia, the surge is causing hospital saturation. As of late October 2026, the National Children’s Hospital in Costa Rica reported its intensive care unit reached 100% capacity, with 18 minors in critical condition requiring mechanical ventilation. Health authorities in Costa Rica have issued alerts, urging parents not to send children with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea to school to prevent further spread. In Colombia, experts have identified a second respiratory peak in 2026, coinciding with the rainy season and lower temperatures. The National Institute of Health reported that Colombia has recorded over 2.2 million medical consultations for acute respiratory infections this year.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Respiratory infections rise in Colombia and Costa Rica

Colombia faces its second seasonal peak of respiratory infections, while Costa Rican health officials urge parents to keep symptomatic children home from school.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/respiratory-infections-rise-in-colombia-and-costa-rica

### 2026-10-26: Respiratory viruses cause high hospitalizations in Paraguay and Argentina

Rhinovirus leads severe respiratory hospitalizations in Paraguay, while Argentina reports over one million cumulative influenza-like illness cases in 2026 despite a recent decline in circulation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/respiratory-viruses-cause-high-hospitalizations-in-paraguay-and-argentina

### 2026-10-24: Respiratory infections cause hospital saturation in Costa Rica and Colombia

Rising respiratory infections are saturating pediatric hospitals in Costa Rica and Colombia, with intensive care units reaching full capacity due to circulating viruses like RSV and rhinovirus.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/respiratory-infections-cause-hospital-saturation-in-costa-rica-and-colombia

### 2026-10-23: Paraguay reports over 1,100 respiratory hospitalizations in four weeks

Paraguay's Ministry of Health reports 1,106 hospitalizations and 22 deaths linked to respiratory viruses in four weeks, with rhinovirus being the most prevalent pathogen.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguay-reports-over-1100-respiratory-hospitalizations-in-four-weeks

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Cite as: Respiratory infection surges in Latin America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/respiratory-infection-surges-in-latin-america