The Ministry of Health (Minsal) of El Salvador reported the fourth dengue death recorded in the country during 2026, according to data from Epidemiological Bulletin number 41, which covers the week of October 11 to 17.
The official update raised the number of laboratory-confirmed dengue cases to 64 so far this year. In addition, the health system counted 56 hospital discharges linked to the disease and kept the circulation of the DEN3 serotype under surveillance.
The Minsal bulletin noted that during week 41, 347 suspected dengue cases were attended. That figure corresponds to the weekly record, not the annual cumulative total. In the 2026 total, up to that cutoff, the country had accumulated 6,182 consultations for clinical suspicion of the disease.
During the previous week, number 40, the health system had recorded 350 suspected consultations, a figure close to that of the latest update.
Among the suspected cases reported in 2026, the group aged 10 to 19 accounted for 2,181 consultations, the highest number by age group. They were followed by children aged five to nine, with 1,613 attendances. Among children aged one to four, 731 consultations were reported, and among infants under one year old, 229.
Minsal also reported one case of severe dengue during epidemiological week 41.
What are the warning signs of dengue and when to go to a health center
Dengue can progress with warning signs, including do…
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El Salvador's Ministry of Health confirmed the fourth death from dengue in the country during 2026. (Illustrative Image Infobae)El Salvador's Ministry of Health (Minsal) reported the fourth death from dengue registered in the country during 2026, according to data from Epidemiological Bulletin number 41, covering the week of October 11 to 17. The official update raised the number of laboratory-confirmed dengue cases to 64 so far this year. In addition, the health system counted 56 hospital discharges linked to the disease and kept the circulation of the DEN3 serotype under surveillance.
The Minsal bulletin recorded that during week 41, 347 suspected dengue cases were attended. That figure corresponds to the weekly register and not to the annual cumulative. In the 2026 total, up to that cutoff, the country had accumulated 6,182 consultations for clinical suspicion of the disease. During the previous week, number 40, the health system had registered 350 suspected consultations, a figure close to that of the latest update.
The country accumulated 6,182 consultations for clinical suspicion of dengue up to epidemiological week 41. (REUTERS/José Cabezas)Among the suspected cases reported in 2026, the group aged 10 to 19 accounted for 2,181 consultations, the largest amount by age group. They were followed by children aged five to nine, with 1,613 attendances. Among children one to four years old, 731 consultations were reported, and among infants under one year, 229. Minsal also reported one case of severe dengue during epidemiological week 41.
What are the warning signs of dengue and when to go to a health center
Dengue can progress with warning signs, including severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding, drowsiness or irritability. Given these symptoms, health authorities recommend going to a health facility and avoiding self-medication.
The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. According to the informational materials released by the Ministry of Health, the insect usually bites during the day, most frequently after sunrise and before sunset. Symptoms can appear between five and seven days after infection.
The group aged 10 to 19 accounted for the largest number of medical consultations for suspected dengue. (REUTERS/José Cabezas)
Prevention focuses on eliminating containers that can accumulate water and serve as breeding grounds for the transmitting mosquito. The health ministry recommends turning over bottles, buckets, tires and any unused objects that can hold water. It also proposes covering barrels, tanks and other containers intended for water storage. Containers must be kept covered to prevent the mosquito from laying eggs in them.
The authorities advise washing tanks once a week, as well as barrels and other water containers. Flower vases require frequent cleaning and water changes to prevent the proliferation of larvae.
The authorities advise covering containers and turning over unused objects to eliminate breeding grounds for the insect. (REUTERS/José Cabezas)
As personal protection measures, Minsal suggests using repellent, installing mosquito nets and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in places where mosquitoes are present.
The data from Epidemiological Bulletin number 41 are provisional and may change in subsequent updates of health surveillance. The report makes it possible to follow the weekly evolution of cases, hospitalizations and deaths associated with dengue in the country.