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Tucumán Confirms Second Chikungunya Case as Salta Expands Testing to Nine Localities

Officials are accelerating diagnosis to head off local spread as neighboring outbreaks elevate importation risk.

Overview

  • The newest infection is a 17-year-old whose chikungunya diagnosis was ratified by PCR after an initial antibody positive.
  • The case adds to a previously detected infection in a 55-year-old man from Yerba Buena.
  • Health authorities report both patients are recovering without risk to life and no secondary transmission has been detected among relatives or neighbors.
  • With outbreaks reported in Salta, Bolivia and Brazil, Tucumán is maintaining heightened surveillance after more than 37 weeks without dengue.
  • Salta decentralized diagnosis by distributing PCR, ELISA and rapid IgM/IgG tests to nine interior localities, including Salvador Mazza, Tartagal and Orán, with rapid tests delivering results in 10–15 minutes; residents are urged to eliminate standing water, use repellents and nets, seek care for sudden high fever with severe joint pain, and avoid aspirin or ibuprofen until a diagnosis is made.