Argentina detects first cases of COVID-19 BA.3.2 variant

Argentina has confirmed its first three cases of the COVID-19 BA.3.2 subvariant, identified in residents of the Buenos Aires province. The detection was made through genomic surveillance conducted by the ANLIS Malbrán institute and reported in the National Epidemiological Bulletin.

The samples were collected between April 26 and July 18, 2026. Out of 21 genomes sequenced during this period, three (approximately 14%) were identified as the BA.3.2 lineage. The patients, including one adult and two older adults, all recovered favorably, although one required hospitalization due to pre-existing comorbidities.

BA.3.2 is a descendant of the Omicron BA.3 lineage and is currently classified internationally as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). It was first detected in South Africa in November 2024. Prior to its appearance in Argentina, cases had been recorded in the Americas in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and French Guiana, but no previous reports had been made in South America.

Health authorities emphasize that the variant does not currently represent a substantial additional risk to public health, as there is no evidence of increased severity or mortality compared to other circulating lineages. However, the Ministry of Health will maintain strict virological and epidemiological monitoring to track its transmissibility and potential impact.