Minsal reports 56.1% positivity rate for respiratory viruses

Chile’s Health Ministry, known as Minsal, reported a 56.1% positivity rate for respiratory viruses on Aug. 31, 2026, and said the situation had increased pressure on pediatric critical care beds. The report covers Chile, including Santiago, according to the available research.

The figure is the central result provided in the research material. It describes the proportion of respiratory-virus tests that were positive, although the material does not specify the number of tests, the viruses included, or the period covered by the rate. It also does not identify a separate figure for Santiago.

Minsal’s report links the reported positivity rate with increased pressure on pediatric critical care beds. The available information does not provide the number of beds affected, occupancy levels, hospitals involved or any regional breakdown. It also does not state whether beds were added, reassigned or otherwise managed in response to the pressure.

The research packet contains no further details about patients, symptoms, admissions, deaths, medical guidance or measures announced by the ministry. It does not provide a forecast, a comparison with an earlier rate, or an explanation of the factors behind the reported pressure on pediatric critical care capacity.

The information available therefore establishes two points: Minsal reported a 56.1% positivity rate for respiratory viruses, and increased pressure on pediatric critical care beds was reported alongside that development. Further details about the testing data and the effect on individual hospitals were not included.