Paraguay reports 32 flu deaths this year amid high H3N2 circulation

Influenza A continues to circulate widely in Paraguay, contributing to a significant number of deaths and hospitalizations this year. Luis Cousirat, director of the Expanded Immunization Program at the Ministry of Public Health, warned of persistently high levels of respiratory virus circulation, typical for the winter season.

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the virus that circulates the most in the country is influenza A (H3N2), which has had high incidence in the country since the end of last year.

The dominant strain identified is influenza A (H3N2), which has shown high incidence since late last year. As of early June, 532 individuals have been hospitalized for acute respiratory infections linked to influenza. Of these, 88 required intensive care, and tragically, 32 have died. The latest figures from the past week alone include three fatalities: a 2-year-old, a 58-year-old, and a 74-year-old.

Children are disproportionately affected, accounting for 53% of all influenza cases. The H3N2 variant represents 84% of the recorded influenza cases in the country. Other respiratory viruses, such as rhinovirus, are also circulating concurrently.

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84 percent of all influenza cases registered in Paraguay correspond to the H3N2 variant and that 53 percent of the cases are registered in minors.

Cousirat stressed the critical importance of vaccination to prevent severe illness. He reminded the public that the annual influenza vaccine is provided free of charge at public health facilities. Vaccination is particularly crucial for individuals in high-risk age groups, children and adults aged 70 and above, as well as those with underlying health conditions.

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the vaccine against influenza, which must be applied once a year, is available free of charge in public health centers.