Argentina Health Update: Respiratory Viruses Remain Stable, Whooping Cough Cases Prompt Vigilance
Buenos Aires, Argentina – A newly released national epidemiological bulletin offers a mixed picture of Argentina’s health landscape. While overall circulation of respiratory viruses remains low and COVID-19 cases continue a downward trend, a notable increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases, especially affecting vulnerable infants, is prompting health officials to reinforce preventative measures. This breaking news provides a crucial update for residents and travelers alike, and is optimized for Google News and SEO visibility.
Respiratory Virus Snapshot: Flu & COVID-19 Trends
The National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN) for epidemiological week 50 indicates a generally stable situation. Outpatient surveillance shows a slight uptick in Influenza B, with three confirmed cases of Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K. However, these numbers remain within safe levels. COVID-19 continues its decline, with 18 new cases reported, sustaining the positive trend observed since week 45. Hospitalizations related to respiratory illnesses remain relatively low: 9 for influenza, 2 for RSV, and 33 for COVID-19 during week 49.
Evergreen Insight: Understanding seasonal respiratory virus patterns is key to public health preparedness. Argentina, like many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, experiences peak influenza seasons during its winter months (June-August). Continuous monitoring, as conducted by the National Network of Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, is vital for early detection and response.
Whooping Cough Concerns: A Focus on Infant Protection
The most significant development highlighted in the BEN is the rise in whooping cough cases. A total of 930 cases have been confirmed in 21 jurisdictions since the beginning of 2025, with 84 new cases reported in the last week. While the highest number of cases occurred in week 44, a decreasing trend has been observed in recent weeks. The Central Region, particularly Buenos Aires and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, and the Southern Region, specifically Tierra del Fuego, are experiencing the highest concentrations of cases.
Alarmingly, the highest cumulative incidence is among children under 5 years old, with babies under 6 months being particularly vulnerable. Importantly, no deaths have been reported this year among confirmed cases, and none of the seven fatalities registered in 2025 had received vaccination. This underscores the critical importance of vaccination.
Evergreen Insight: Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, is preventable through vaccination. The disease is particularly dangerous for infants, as it can cause severe breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and even death. Vaccination during pregnancy is also recommended to provide passive immunity to the newborn.
Vaccination Coverage: Progress and Areas for Improvement
The BEN emphasizes that vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention. As of December 17th, coverage rates for the quintuple vaccine show modest improvement: 78.43% for the first dose, 77.71% for the second, and 73.74% for the third. Booster dose coverage is also encouraging, with rates of 64.15% for children aged 15-18 months, 76.8% at 5 years, and 77.6% at 11 years. Coverage among pregnant women stands at 72.71%.
However, significant regional disparities exist. Provinces like Tierra del Fuego, La Pampa, Jujuy, Neuquén, Mendoza, and San Juan demonstrate high coverage rates, while Buenos Aires, CABA, Formosa, Santa Fe, Corrientes, and Misiones lag behind, particularly in booster doses.
Dengue & Ongoing Surveillance
Regarding dengue fever, the report indicates 489 suspected cases were reported in the last week, with no confirmations. The Ministry of Health assesses the situation as low-risk for transmission.
Health teams are advised to continue implementing guidelines for the prevention, control, and clinical management of acute respiratory infections, alongside ongoing virological surveillance. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining public health security.
The latest epidemiological bulletin serves as a vital reminder of the dynamic nature of public health. While Argentina’s overall health situation appears stable, continued vigilance, particularly regarding whooping cough, and sustained vaccination efforts are essential to protect the population. Stay informed with the latest updates from Archyde.com, your trusted source for breaking news and in-depth health reporting.
