Panama has accumulated 19 deaths from influenza this year and remains under health alert

Panama City.- Panama has accumulated 19 deaths from influenza so far in 2026, after four new cases were confirmed during epidemiological week 4 (January 25 to 31, 2026), while health authorities maintain the call to the population to reinforce self-care measures as one of the main prevention actions.

According to the weekly epidemiological report released this Saturday by the Ministry of Health of Panama (Minsa), "of the 19 deaths, 89.5% (17) did not have a flu vaccine and 73.7% (14) had risk factors including age, metabolic, cardiovascular and renal factors." The official report indicates that, so far in 2026, the registered deaths correspond solely to influenza, although the health authorities' report also compiles the incidence of other viral diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, malaria, and screwworm, among others. Health authorities had already warned on January 20 about "a significant increase in deaths associated with influenza" during the first epidemiological week of the year and reiterated the call to citizens to comply with preventive measures, including vaccination, against this viral respiratory disease. "Panama is on the alert threshold as a significant increase in deaths associated with influenza is recorded," said the Epidemiology Surveillance technician of the Ministry of Health, Catherine Castillo, according to a statement released on January 20th. Castillo then explained that, in addition to influenza, other respiratory viruses circulate in the country such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, rhinovirus and covid-19, "which increases the risk of complications, especially in older adults, young children and people with comorbidities". During 2025, a total of 116 people died in Panama due to influenza, of which 85.3% (99) were not vaccinated against the disease and 92.2% (107) had risk factors, including advanced age and metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, and immunosuppression diseases, according to official statistics from the Ministry of Health. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommended last January that countries in the Americas remain vigilant and strengthen the preparedness of health services in the face of the simultaneous circulation of seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which could generate greater pressure on hospitals and health centers during the remainder of the winter season in the northern hemisphere.