He Ministry of Health of the Province of Catamarca informs that it continues working on the respiratory virus surveillance strategy, with special emphasis on the surveillance of Influenza-Type Illness (ILI), based on the alert issued at the end of 2025 due to the circulation of the virus. Influenza A (H3N2)subclade K.
Although it is not a new virus, its rapid transmission capacity and its appearance outside the usual season reinforce the need to take extreme epidemiological surveillance actions, timely diagnosis and prevention measures, especially in the highest risk groups.
In this framework of intensified surveillance, Three cases of Influenza A were reported in the province, corresponding to people between 20 and 30 years of age, two of whom have a history of travel abroad. In compliance with current protocols, two samples were sent to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INEI–ANLIS Malbrán) for genomic sequencing. The confirmed cases correspond to the H3N2 subtype, and laboratory results are awaited to determine if it is subclade K. A third sample will be sent in the coming days, corresponding to a person with a history of recent travel abroad. All patients are under symptomatic treatment and outpatient follow-up, with good clinical evolution and monitoring by the health system.
Preventive measures
Given this epidemiological situation, the Ministry of Health reminds the population of the importance of reinforcing prevention measures to reduce the risk of contagion and avoid complications.
It is recommended to maintain complete vaccination schedules against Influenza (flu), especially in boys and girls under 2 years of age, people over 65 years of age and people with risk factors.
Likewise, it is essential to ensure adequate ventilation of the environments, avoid sudden changes in temperature, perform frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol gel, and cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with the crook of the elbow. Tissues should be discarded immediately after use and avoid sharing personal items such as glasses, cutlery, utensils or mates.
It is also recommended to frequently clean and disinfect surfaces of regular contact and avoid, as far as possible, staying in closed spaces with crowds of people, especially in the case of people belonging to risk groups.
Recommendations for respiratory symptoms
People who present symptoms compatible with respiratory disease should prioritize personal and community care, reducing unnecessary contact with other people, especially with vulnerable people (immunocompromised and/or with risk factors for serious illness) during the first days from the onset of symptoms.
It is recommended to reinforce prevention measures, such as the use of a mask, ventilation of the environments and frequent hand washing, until the symptoms resolve. In the presence of alarm signs, it is advisable to make a timely consultation with the health system.
Considerations about the flu vaccine
People included in the target population who have not received the flu vaccine during the year 2025 may do so until January 30, 2026. Regardless of this, they must apply the vaccine again within the framework of the 2026 flu vaccination campaign, in accordance with the recommendations of the National Vaccination Calendar.
