Panama Reports 65 Influenza Deaths; New Cases of Oropouche

The Ministry of Health (Minsa), through the Department of Epidemiology, reports one death due to influenza, in epidemiological week No. 39, from September 27 to October 3, 2026.

With this death, Panama has accumulated a total of 65 deaths due to influenza.

Of the 65 influenza- related deaths recorded that year, 58.5% were men. The largest proportion of deaths occurred in the 65 and older age group (61.5%). 

Regarding background, 96.4% of the deaths did not have influenza vaccination in the current season and 86.2% were also not vaccinated against the 2025 season, while 81.5% presented risk factors , mainly related to advanced age and metabolic, cardiovascular and renal comorbidities.

Oropouche case update

No new cases of Oropouche virus disease were reported this week. However, cases from previous weeks have been updated, specifically those from epidemiological weeks 35 (one case from the Metropolitan Region), 37, and 38 (two cases from the Chiriquí Region). The national total remains at 23 cases of Oropouche virus disease so far this year.

Oropouche fever  (ICD-10 A93.0) is a vector-borne disease caused by the  Oropouche virus  (OROV), a segmented single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the  Orthobunyavirus  genus of the  Peribunyaviridae family.

It is found mainly in jungle and swampy areas of Latin America. Its reservoirs include birds and mammals such as sloths.

It was first detected in 1955 in a feverish forestry worker in a village in  Trinidad and Tobago  called Oropouche Meadow, near the Oropouche River, hence its name.

The Oropouche virus was endemic in Panama by 1989 when it was first detected: The Oropouche virus has been circulating in Panama since 1989.

Oropouche fever is characterized by high fever, intense headaches, and muscle and joint pain, with a typical recovery in two to three weeks, although up to 60% of patients may experience relapses. In rare cases, it can cause meningitis or encephalitis, and potential risks, particularly to the fetus, have been reported in pregnant women.

Other diseases under surveillance

Dengue: During epidemiological week 39, 492 confirmed cases of dengue were reported, for an incidence rate of 10.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The national total is 10,419 cases so far in 2016.

The Ministry of Health reiterates that eliminating breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the main measures to break the chain of transmission. The public should regularly check yards, homes, workplaces, and surrounding areas to remove any containers that can collect water.

Malaria : In epidemiological week 39 of 2026, four cases were reported, for a cumulative total of 6,000 cases. In 2025, during the same week, 47 cases were reported, for a cumulative total of 8,788 cases. 

Zika: No cases were reported in epidemiological week 39 of 2026. Only one case this year.

Chikungunya: No new cases were reported and the total remains at seven, including one imported case.

Leishmaniasis : 26 cases were registered during epidemiological week 39, for a cumulative total of 1,933 cases in 2026.

Hantavirus fever : One case was reported in epidemiological week No. 39 of 2026, with a cumulative total of 22 cases in 2026.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome: No cases were reported this week, and the cumulative total remains at 18 cases.

Leptospirosis: No cases were registered during week 39. Two cases from previous weeks were updated, bringing the total to 41 cases so far in 2026.

Screwworm in humans : So far in 2026 there are 114 accumulated cases 

Monkeypox (Mpox): No cases were reported in week 30. Two cases from previous weeks of this year have been updated. The cumulative total is 15 cases in 2026.

Actions of the population

The Ministry of Health reminds everyone that disease prevention requires the participation of the entire population. The community forms the first line of defense through simple but fundamental actions, such as keeping vaccinations up to date, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, promptly recognizing warning signs, seeking medical attention early, and adhering to preventive measures.

Health authorities urge the population to maintain self-care measures and actively participate in community prevention efforts, especially to protect the most vulnerable groups and avoid complications.