Overview
- Genomic analyses conducted between December 18 and January 4 identified 18 Influenza A(H3N2) cases: nine J.2.4.1 (K), eight J.2.3 and one J.2.2, spanning Buenos Aires province, CABA, Mendoza, Neuquén and Santa Cruz.
- Only two of the nine K-lineage cases had recent travel to Europe and four reported no travel, a pattern health authorities say could indicate early local circulation.
- Five K-lineage infections required hospitalization and four were treated as outpatients, with no fatalities reported and no clear increase in clinical severity documented so far.
- Fourteen of the 18 sequenced cases lacked influenza vaccination, reinforcing calls to immunize high‑risk groups and maintain routine prevention measures such as ventilation and hand hygiene.
- National and provincial health agencies have strengthened genomic surveillance and guidance for clinicians, and they decided not to routinely analyze samples from symptomatic returning travelers.