Health alert as ‘super flu’ variant detected in Argentina

Argentina’s top public health laboratory says experts are investigating three cases of a potential “super flu” strain, after genomic sequencing confirmed the detection of influenza A (H3N2).

The National Laboratories and Health Institutes Administration (ANLIS) ‘Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán’ said the cases were identified through the National Laboratories and Sentinel Units Network and confirmed by its National Reference Laboratory.

They involved two teenagers in the southern province of Santa Cruz and a child who was hospitalised in Buenos Aires City. 

All three patients recovered without complications, officials said.

The strain falls within subclade K, a variant carrying genetic mutations linked to higher transmissibility, raising concerns it could drive an increase in infections and pressure on the health system as the season advances. 

Health authorities stressed, however, that there is no evidence so far that the strain causes more severe illness than other influenza A (H3N2) viruses seen in recent years.

The ANLIS-Malbrán institute said provincial authorities are responsible for carrying out epidemiological investigations and ensuring prompt care for detected cases. It added that surveillance data show influenza and other respiratory viruses are currently circulating at levels expected for this time of year.

The agency said it will continue to work alongside the Health Ministry’s epidemiology office to monitor virus circulation across all 24 provinces, with a focus on spotting early changes in transmission, severity or the groups most affected.

Health officials urged people with flu-like or respiratory symptoms to seek medical advice, particularly those in higher-risk groups, as monitoring of the so-called “super flu” strain continues.

– TIMES/NA