Argentina sees surge in influenza A(H3N2) cases and ICU occupancy

The National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN) for epidemiological week 20 reported a continued rise in respiratory viruses across Argentina, driven primarily by influenza A(H3N2). Eighty‑four influenza cases were confirmed in the past two weeks, with a positivity rate of 31.5%, and 185 hospitalised cases of severe acute respiratory infection were recorded over the last four weeks. Genomic surveillance identified the sub‑clade J.2.4.1(K) as the dominant strain, while SARS‑CoV‑2 cases remained stable at a single confirmed infection.

In the province of Buenos Aires, Health Minister Nicolás Kreplak warned that critical care beds are under severe pressure, with an average occupancy of 80% province‑wide, 88% in the metropolitan area and 62% in the interior. Pediatric intensive‑care admissions have risen 55%, and paediatric emergency visits increased 57% in the conurbation. Vaccination coverage remains low, especially among seniors where flu‑shot uptake is only 36%, prompting calls for the public to complete vaccination schedules for flu, pneumonia and bronchiolitis.