Updates on public health, medical research, and healthcare services in Panama. Stories include policy changes, outbreaks, and practical health advice.
Panama firefighters are responding to thousands of Africanized bee emergencies after a surge that included a dangerous attack on worshippers in Penonomé during Semana Santa. One person has died in the recent string of incidents.
Panamanian medical societies have warned that rising measles cases across the Americas could lead to reintroduction in Panama. They are urging stronger vaccination coverage and surveillance to prevent imported infections from spreading.
Africanized bee attacks are surging across Panama, with firefighters responding to 3,843 emergencies in the first 95 days of 2026. One 77-year-old man has died, and officials are urging the public to avoid swarms and call 103 immediately.
MSOE students joined a Global Brigades medical outreach effort in Panama over spring break, supporting community health care through international volunteer service. The trip highlights Panama’s ongoing role in student-led humanitarian programs.
“Cardio con mi perro” returns to Costa del Este on April 12, inviting residents to enjoy a walk with their dogs. The event blends exercise, pet-friendly recreation, and community participation.
Panama schools are grappling with a mix of cyberbullying and physical violence that can hide warning signs of deeper distress. Experts say parents need direct, personal interaction with children to detect problems earlier.
Two women were treated for dehydration and exhaustion after descending Volcán Barú in Chiriquí. Emergency teams stabilized them on site, avoiding ambulance transport.
Experts are calling for stronger prevention efforts at home and better coordination among Panama’s state institutions to protect vulnerable minors. They say shelters alone cannot solve problems that begin with family risk and lack of early support.
Panama remains under a heat advisory as high temperatures and a stronger-than-normal sensation of heat continue across the country. Officials urge residents to take precautions against dehydration and heat-related illness.
A 22-year-old man died after diving into the Indio River in Coclé, prompting Sinaproc to renew warnings about water safety and risky behavior. Authorities urged people to exercise caution in rivers and recreation areas.
Panama City’s Seafood Market will close on Monday, April 6, for deep cleaning and fumigation, then reopen Tuesday with normal hours. The restaurant area will still operate Monday from 1:00 p.m.
Adolescent pregnancy in Panama is driven largely by adult men, not teenage girls, according to official figures. The fight against it depends on changing male behavior and the social norms that excuse abuse.
Street homelessness is becoming more visible in Panama City, including in Ancón, where officials and community leaders are calling for sustained action. While estimates vary, pending bills and stalled interagency efforts show a growing gap between the scale of the problem and the public response.
Panama City’s holiday celebrations revealed a stark divide between tourists in the historic center and people living on the streets. The rise in homelessness underscores gaps in prevention, care, and reintegration.
Panama’s Ministry of Health will deploy a medical module and emergency units at Playa Venao for the Surf competition at the South American Youth Games. The operation will run April 11 to 16 in Pedasí, Los Santos.
UC Davis soccer player Lakelee Perkins volunteered with Global Medical Brigades in Panama, an experience that deepened her focus on health equity and service. Her time in underserved communities is shaping how she approaches leadership on and off the field.
Medical societies in Panama are warning about a rise in measles cases across the Americas and urging people to get vaccinated. Health experts say measles can spread rapidly among unvaccinated people.
CBD in Panama is governed by Panamanian law from the moment someone enters the country, making local rules essential for travelers and residents. The issue also connects to how CBD fits within Panama’s healthcare framework.
Panama’s CBD rules remain legally uncertain, with no clear consumer market for oils, edibles, or vapes. Travelers face real border risks, while medical access is limited to the country’s regulated cannabis program.
An Africanized bee attack in Penonomé affected about 150 people during a Via Crucis procession, and 50 were taken to medical centers. The incident raised safety concerns at a major Holy Week gathering in Coclé.