Latin America: COVID-19 cases 2021, by country

Brazil is the Latin American country affected the most by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 2021, the country had reported approximately 15.3 million cases. It was followed by Argentina, with 2.86 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. In total, the region had registered over 3.2 million diagnosed patients, as well as a growing number of fatal COVID-19 cases.

The research marathon

Normally, the development of a vaccines takes years of research and testing until is available to the general public. However, with an alarming and threatening situation as that of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientist quickly got on board in a vaccine marathon to develop a safe and effective way to prevent and control the spread of the virus in record time. One year after the first cases were reported, the world had over one thousand drugs and vaccines targeting the COVID-19 disease. As of May, 2021, a total of 19 candidates were already launched and countries all over the world had started negotiations and acquisition of the vaccine, along with immunization campaigns.

But, are people willing to get immunized?

Although scientists are on a race to develop a multitude of vaccines, many people around the globe are still skeptical on whether to get vaccinated. In Latin America, for instance, according to a survey conducted at the end of January 2021, around 14 percent of Brazilian respondents, as well as approximately 19 percent of Mexican interviewees were not willing to get a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine when available (1200489).

For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Facts and Figures page.