Argentina has confirmed the first death associated with the so-called 'super flu' Influenza A(H3N2), in a context that is beginning to cause concern among authorities due to the sharp increase in cases recorded in the last week. The 'Carlos Malbrán' agency confirmed 28 positive cases of Influenza A(H3N2) nationwide. Health authorities confirmed that the patient had an H3N2 flu infection and that their medical history was a determining factor in the unfavorable progression of the clinical condition, which led to death. The data of the first death has not yet been formally included in the National Epidemiological Bulletin, but it was confirmed by provincial health authorities, which raised alarm signals in the health system regarding the early and sustained circulation of the virus. According to the latest National Epidemiological Bulletin, covering the period from December 18, 2025, to January 16, 2026, the National Administration of Laboratories and Health Institutes 'Dr. Carlos Malbrán' reported that the total number of flu cases registered in the country is 28. The provinces that have already registered infections are Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Chubut, Córdoba, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Neuquén, Río Negro, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, and Tierra del Fuego. From the Carrillo Hospital, Director Beatriz Montenegro explained that the deceased patient had a complex condition from the moment of admission. The death occurred in the province of Mendoza and corresponded to an elderly patient with pre-existing pathologies. According to official information, the victim was a 74-year-old man who was hospitalized in serious condition at the Carrillo Hospital, in the Mendoza capital. She indicated that it was a person with pre-existing diseases and that the H3N2 flu infection acted as a trigger for severe complications that led to the fatal outcome. In the face of the sustained increase in cases and the confirmation of the first death, national health authorities reinforced a series of preventive recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of mass contagions, especially among groups considered most vulnerable, such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and young children. Among the main suggested measures is to keep vaccination schedules up to date, particularly against seasonal flu, SARS-CoV-2, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Bordetella pertussis, and the respiratory syncytial virus. In addition, the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering the mouth and nose with the crook of the elbow when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding sharing personal objects was reiterated. Authorities also recommended adequately ventilating enclosed spaces and paying special attention to the appearance of respiratory symptoms, both in oneself and in close contacts, with the aim of seeking early medical consultation and preventing the spread of the virus. The advance of the super flu H3N2 in the middle of summer reinforces the health system's concern, which is closely monitoring the epidemiological evolution of the virus due to the possibility of a greater impact in the coming weeks if the contagion curve continues to rise.
