Argentina sees surge in respiratory illnesses as winter deepens

The province of Santa Fe reported that it is at the peak of a seasonal outbreak of respiratory viruses, driven by a new H3N2 influenza strain. Health officials said emergency‑room visits and outpatient consultations have risen sharply, while intensive‑care occupancy remains stable. Vaccination against flu was moved forward to early March at the request of provincial leaders.

In La Ríoja, the health ministry noted a rise in ambulatory visits for winter‑time respiratory complaints but no increase in hospital admissions. Minister Juan Carlos Vergara said the epidemiological situation is stable and urged completion of the flu‑vaccination campaign for high‑risk groups.

Meanwhile, hospitals in La Plata experienced a surge in emergency‑room demand after a cold spell, with a marked increase in bronchiolitis cases linked to the seasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Bed occupancy for admissions reached 85‑90 % and specialists highlighted the importance of maternal vaccination and other preventive measures for infants.