Influenza Deaths: MINSA Urges Vaccination
- Panama's Ministry of health (MINSA) is urging residents to take precautions against influenza following a recent increase in hospitalizations and deaths.
- A meaningful majority, 73.1% (17 individuals), of those who died from influenza had not received a flu vaccine.Health officials also noted that all 26 fatalities had pre-existing risk...
- The Ministry of Health reminds the public that influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory illness characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat,...
Panama Health Officials Urge Vigilance as Flu Deaths Rise
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Panama’s Ministry of health (MINSA) is urging residents to take precautions against influenza following a recent increase in hospitalizations and deaths. According to teh Epidemiology Department, two additional deaths were reported during epidemiological Week 15 (April 6-12, 2025), bringing the total to 26 for the year, after an update from week 12.
A meaningful majority, 73.1% (17 individuals), of those who died from influenza had not received a flu vaccine.Health officials also noted that all 26 fatalities had pre-existing risk factors, including age and conditions such as metabolic, cardiovascular, immunosuppression, neurological, and respiratory diseases.
Influenza Death Distribution
By health Region:
- Metropolitan Region: 34.6% (9 people)
- Ngäbe Buglé Region: 15.3% (4 people)
- West Panama Region: 15.3% (4 people)
- Los Santos and San Miguelito: 11.5% (3 people)
- Other Regions: 7.7% (2 people)
- Veraguas: 3.9% (1 person)
By Age Group:
- 65 years and older: 57.7% (15 people)
- 60-64 years: 3.9% (1 person)
- 50-59 years: 11.5% (3 people)
- 35-49 years: 7.7% (2 people)
- 10-14 years: 5.8% (1 person)
- 1-4 years: 3.9% (1 person)
- 1 year: 11.5% (3 people)
Understanding Influenza
The Ministry of Health reminds the public that influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory illness characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and nasal discharge.Children may also experience complications like otitis media, nausea, and vomiting.
While the typical duration of influenza is three to seven days, complications can arise, including viral pneumonia, exacerbation of existing medical conditions, bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, and otitis media.
Epidemiological surveillance indicates the ongoing circulation of various respiratory viruses, including influenza A and B, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses (including Sars-CoV-2), adenovirus, metapneumovirus, bocavirus, and rhinovirus. The most frequently identified influenza virus subtype is under investigation.
vaccination Recommendations
Health officials are strongly encouraging individuals,especially those at higher risk of complications such as pregnant women,young children,older adults,and people with chronic diseases,to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Preventative Measures: Hand Washing and Mask Use
in light of increasing influenza hospitalizations and the anticipation of further increases, the Ministry of Health advises the public to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wear masks in public settings.
- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if feeling unwell.
the Ministry of Health recommends seeking medical attention if you experience any discomfort or illness.
Other Diseases Under Surveillance
The Epidemiology Department also provided updates on other diseases for epidemiological Week 15:
- Zika: two accumulated cases in 2025.
- Dengue: 4,364 accumulated cases nationwide. Of these, 3,910 are without alarm signs, 421 with alarm signs, and 33 classified as severe dengue.
- Chikungunya: Six accumulated cases in 2025.
- Leishmaniasis: 420 accumulated cases in 2025.
- Malaria: 4,519 accumulated cases.
- Oropouche Virus Disease: No new cases reported this week; 290 accumulated cases to date.
- Hantavirus Fever: No new cases this week; one case from the previous week updated, bringing the 2025 total to seven.
- Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome: No new cases in Week 15; four accumulated cases in 2025.
- Leptospirosis: 29 accumulated cases in 2025.
- “Barrenator Wore” in Humans: 34 accumulated cases in 2025. (Note: ”Barrenator Wore” is retained as is, due to lack of context for correction.)
- Symic Smallpox (MPOX): No cases recorded in 2025.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of community participation in reducing the spread of diseases, particularly eliminating mosquito breeding grounds to prevent vector-borne illnesses.
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Flu Alert in Panama: What You Need to Know
Welcome! This article provides important facts about the recent rise in influenza cases and related health concerns in Panama, based on official reports from the Ministry of Health (MINSA). We’ll explore the details, answer your questions, and provide essential advice to keep you and your family safe.
Key Questions and Answers About the Flu Situation in Panama
Q: What’s happening with the flu in Panama right now?
A: Panama is currently experiencing an increase in influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths, prompting the Ministry of Health (MINSA) to urge residents to take precautions. According to the Epidemiology Department,there has been a noticeable rise in fatalities during epidemiological Week 15 (April 6-12,2025).
Q: How many flu-related deaths have been reported this year?
A: As of epidemiological week 15, a total of 26 flu-related deaths have been reported in Panama in 2025.
Q: What’s the significance of the increase in flu deaths?
A: The rise in deaths highlights the need for increased vigilance, especially among vulnerable populations.This underscores the importance of preventative measures like vaccination and practicing good hygiene to help contain the spread and mitigate the impact of the flu.
Q: Were the people who died vaccinated against the flu?
A: A staggering 73.1% (17 individuals) of those who died from influenza had not received a flu vaccine. This suggests the importance of vaccination in protecting against severe outcomes.
Q: What are the risk factors associated with these flu deaths?
A: All 26 fatalities had pre-existing risk factors. These included:
Age: Older adults are at higher risk.
Underlying Health Conditions: Metabolic diseases, cardiovascular issues, immunosuppression, neurological conditions, and respiratory diseases.
Q: Where are these flu deaths occurring in Panama?
A: The distribution of deaths across different health regions is as follows:
metropolitan Region: 34.6% (9 people)
Ngäbe Buglé Region: 15.3% (4 people)
West Panama Region: 15.3% (4 people)
Los Santos and san Miguelito: 11.5% (3 people)
Other regions: 7.7% (2 people)
Veraguas: 3.9% (1 person)
(Note: This information could change. Always consult the official MINSA reports for the latest updates).
Q: What age groups are most affected by the flu deaths?
A: the flu deaths are distributed across age groups:
65 years and older: 57.7% (15 people) – The most vulnerable group
60-64 years: 3.9% (1 person)
50-59 years: 11.5% (3 people)
35-49 years: 7.7% (2 people)
10-14 years: 5.8% (1 person)
1-4 years: 3.9% (1 person)
1 year: 11.5% (3 people) (Note: This age group is very vulnerable)
Q: what is influenza, and what are its symptoms?
A: Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory illness.
Symptoms of the Flu:
fever
Cough
Sore throat
Nasal discharge
In children: May also include otitis media (ear infection), nausea, and vomiting.
Q: How long does the flu typically last, and what are the potential complications?
A: The typical duration of the flu is three to seven days. Though, potential complications can include:
Viral pneumonia
Exacerbation of existing medical conditions
Bacterial pneumonia
Sinusitis
otitis media (ear infection)
Q: What other viruses are currently circulating in Panama, alongside influenza?
A: Alongside influenza (A and B), the following respiratory viruses are also circulating:
Parainfluenza
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Coronaviruses (including Sars-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19)
Adenovirus
Metapneumovirus
Bocavirus
Rhinovirus
Q: What is the Ministry of Health recommending to prevent the spread of the flu?
A: The Ministry of Health (MINSA) is strongly encouraging everyone to take the following precautions:
Vaccination: Ensure that your flu vaccinations are up to date, especially for those at higher risk.
Hand Hygiene: Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Mask Use: Wear masks in public settings.
Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Stay Home When Sick: Avoid spreading the illness by staying home if you are feeling unwell.
Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention if you experience discomfort or illness.
Vaccination Recommendations: Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
Q: Who is considered a high-risk individual regarding the flu?
A: Health officials strongly encourage the following individuals, who are at a higher risk of flu complications, to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date:
Pregnant women
Young children
Older adults
People with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, asthma)
Q: Where can I get a flu vaccine in Panama?
A: Information is not in the article, but you would want to include where to get a flu vaccine. consult your physician or local health center for information on where to get a flu vaccine in your area of Panama.
Other Diseases Under Surveillance in Panama (Epidemiological Week 15 Updates)
Q: What other diseases is the Ministry of Health monitoring in Panama?
A: In addition to influenza, the Epidemiology Department is actively monitoring several other diseases:
Zika: Two accumulated cases in 2025.
Dengue: 4,364 accumulated cases (3,910 without alarm signs, 421 with alarm signs, and 33 classified as severe).
Chikungunya: six accumulated cases in 2025.
Leishmaniasis: 420 accumulated cases in 2025.
Malaria: 4,519 accumulated cases.
oropouche Virus Disease: 290 accumulated cases to date (no new cases this week).
Hantavirus Fever: Seven accumulated cases in 2025 (no new cases).
Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome: Four accumulated cases in 2025 (no new cases).
Leptospirosis: 29 accumulated cases in 2025.
“Barrenator Wore” in Humans: 34 accumulated cases in 2025. (note: the context is not understood to correct the name).
Symic Smallpox (MPOX): No cases recorded in 2025.
Q: What is the Ministry of Health’s message regarding these other diseases?
A: The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of community participation in reducing the spread of diseases, particularly by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds to prevent vector-borne illnesses (diseases spread by mosquitoes).
Understanding Oropouche Virus Disease
Q: What are the symptoms of Oropouche fever, and how is it different from dengue?
A: Symptoms of Oropouche fever are similar to dengue, which includes:
high fever
Intense headache
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea, vomiting
Chills, general discomfort
Symptoms may recur within days
conclusion and Resources
This article provides a summary of the flu situation and other disease updates in Panama. It’s crucial to stay informed, practice preventative measures, and consult with healthcare professionals if you have any concerns. Please refer to the official MINSA reports for the latest, most accurate information and updates. Stay safe and healthy!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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