health
Yellow alert in hospitals due to respiratory peak in Colombia
The country is experiencing the first respiratory peak of the year and several health institutions have declared a yellow alert due to high hospital occupancy.
TL;DR
- Colombia is experiencing its first respiratory peak of the year.
- Several health institutions have declared a yellow alert due to high hospital occupancy.
- Over 560,000 respiratory infection cases reported in 2026, impacting adults over 60.
- Gastroenteritis and diarrhea are prevalent, alongside ongoing yellow fever and measles outbreaks.
- Bogotá leads in cases with 135,385, followed by Antioquia with 90,597.
- Other affected territories include Dinamarca (29,969) and Santander (25,593).
- Hospital occupancy is critical in Bogotá (90.5% in ICUs) and Bucaramanga (300% overcapacity).
- Experts advise seeking emergency care only for severe alarm signs to avoid hospital saturation.
- Prevention, self-care, and vaccination are key to managing the respiratory peak and easing healthcare pressure.