Four new cases of influenza A H3N2 have been confirmed in Argentina in recent hours, two in the province of Córdoba and two in Corrientes, adding to the 11 reported last Monday by the National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN). According to the Argentine News Agency (NA), the cases were confirmed by the Malbrán Institute. This is the K subclade of influenza A (H3N2) in the aforementioned provinces, where no cases had previously been registered. The BEN also indicated that nine of the first 11 cases had no history of vaccination. To date, there are three cases in the province of Buenos Aires, two in the City of Buenos Aires, two in Neuquén, two in Santa Cruz, two in Córdoba, two in Corrientes, one in Mendoza, and one in Tierra del Fuego. Regarding the cases registered in Córdoba, it was reported that they involve a 27-year-old man from Freyre with a history of travel to Mexico and a 38-year-old woman residing in La Calera with a history of travel to Spain. Both received outpatient care at health centers in the province without the need for hospitalization and are showing a favorable evolution. Meanwhile, the two confirmed cases in Corrientes are two elderly women who had a favorable course of the disease and were discharged. It was also reported that the infections may have occurred through a family member who had traveled abroad. Recommendations for prevention The Ministry of Health reiterated the general recommendations for the prevention and control of transmission, which include: maintaining complete vaccination schedules; frequent handwashing with soap and water; covering the mouth and nose with the crook of the elbow when coughing or sneezing; avoiding sharing personal items such as glasses, cutlery, or other utensils; regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in contact with sick people using water and detergent, soap, or 70% alcohol solutions; adequately ventilating environments, especially in enclosed spaces. People with respiratory symptoms should avoid contact with others and restrict interactions as much as possible until clinical improvement and at least 24 hours have passed without fever (without the use of antipyretics). Additionally, the health authority recommends that people traveling to or returning from countries with influenza circulation maintain general measures for preventing respiratory infections during and after travel, and in case of respiratory symptoms, avoid contact with others and restrict interactions as much as possible until clinical improvement.
