April 22, 2026 – 16:21
The Ministry of Public Health issued the first epidemiological alert of the year due to the increase in consultations for Influenza A H3N2. The authorities urge the population to get vaccinated, use masks if symptoms occur and avoid public spaces to stop infections.
The General Directorate of Health Surveillance today issued a epidemiological alert given the notable increase in patients with respiratory symptoms throughout the country. According to the latest official report, inquiries for Influenza-Like Illness They are exceeding historical values for this time of year.
The document released by the Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS) points out that this phenomenon is mainly due to the early circulation of the virus Influenza A H3N2added to other agents such as Rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (VSR) and Adenovirus. To date, Paraguay registers a cumulative 342,819 queries due to respiratory symptoms so far in 2026.
Influenza: the risk of complications
Health authorities emphasize that the increase in outpatient cases is usually the prelude to a increase in hospitalizations. Therefore, the alert seeks to mitigate risks in vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying diseases (diabetes, asthma or obesity).
Read more: First day of the house-to-house flu vaccination campaign
To stop the spread of the virus and avoid saturation of emergency services, the Ministry of Health urges compliance with the following measures:
- Preventive isolation: If you are sick, do not attend work, school, or public spaces until your symptoms disappear.
- Timely consultation: Go to the doctor at the first symptoms and avoid self-medication.
- Use of mask: It is mandatory for people with respiratory symptoms and recommended in closed or poorly ventilated places (offices, public transport, meeting rooms).
- Hygiene and ventilation: Frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and ventilating closed environments for at least 10 minutes every hour.
- cough label: Cover yourself with your elbow flex or disposable tissues.
Winter Vaccination Campaign 2026
The most effective tool to prevent fatal symptoms is immunization. Public Health remembers that vaccines They are now available free of charge in all vaccination centers in the country within the framework of the National Winter Vaccination Campaign:
- Influenza: Available to the entire population from 6 months of age. There is a version adjuvanted specific for people over 50 years old.
- Pneumococcus (Pneumo 23): Aimed at people over 60 years of age and people with chronic illnesses from 5 years of age.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (Nirsevimab): Intended for newborns and infants with risk factors to prevent severe bronchiolitis.
To consult the authorized vaccination centers, citizens can enter the PAI portal or call the line 138.
The second stage of influenza vaccination begins
He Expanded Program on Immunizations (EPI)reported that as of today, the second stage of the National Winter Vaccination Campaign began. From this phase, the babies and children from 6 to 35 months of age to be vaccinated against influenza in all authorized vaccination centers in the country.
For this season, Paraguay has 1,500,000 doses of influenza vaccine, updated according to the circulating strains: Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B. Biologicals are also available in the Clinics Hospital and the services of Social Security Institute (IPS).
