Panama’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) has confirmed eight deaths from influenza during the first week of 2026. The fatalities occurred between January 4 and 10, prompting health officials to issue a public alert about rising cases.<\/p>\n
The deaths were recorded across multiple regions including Panama Metro, the Ng\u00e4be Bugl\u00e9 Comarca, Chiriqu\u00ed, Bocas del Toro, Cocl\u00e9, and San Miguelito. A significant majority of the victims, 75 percent, were adults over the age of 60. Two of the deceased were children under five years old.<\/p>\n
Health data reveals a stark correlation between the fatalities and vaccination status. An overwhelming 87.5 percent of those who died had not received the annual influenza<\/a> vaccine. Officials also noted that 62.5 percent of the individuals had underlying medical conditions, or a comorbidity<\/a>, which can increase the severity of respiratory infections.<\/p>\n Catherine Castillo from the Ministry’s Department of Epidemiological Surveillance stated the country has now entered an alert threshold. The recent cluster of deaths signals a significant and concerning increase in severe outcomes from the virus.<\/p>\n “Panama is in an alert threshold, with a significant increase in deaths associated with influenza being recorded,” said Catherine Castillo of the Minsa Department of Epidemiological Surveillance. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Ministry is urgently reiterating its call for preventive measures. They emphasize frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and using a mask when respiratory symptoms are present. Their primary recommendation remains getting vaccinated at local health centers.<\/p>\n\n