Argentina Grapples with Sustained Influenza Surge, Fentanyl Outbreak, and measles Cases
Buenos Aires, Argentina – Argentina is currently experiencing a notable and sustained increase in influenza-like illnesses (ETI), with Influenza A (H1N1) and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) being teh predominant strains. Despite a slight recent dip in positivity rates among outpatients and those hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections (IRAG), overall levels remain high compared to typical seasonal patterns.
The National Epidemiological Bulletin (Ben) for Epidemiological Week (SE) 28 reported 69 influenza cases, 10 RSV cases, and one SARS-CoV-2 case from Ambulatory Monitoring Units (UMA). Hospitalized patients saw a higher burden, with 539 influenza cases, 780 RSV cases, and 38 COVID-19 cases detected.
In a concerning progress, the Ben also detailed an outbreak of invasive disease linked to contaminated fentanyl. While a decrease in confirmed cases and deaths was noted compared to the previous week, attributed to refined epidemiological investigations, the situation remains under scrutiny. Santa Fe province, in particular, re-evaluated previous case confirmations, leading to adjustments in the overall figures. Currently, 67 cases and 48 deaths are confirmed, with 46 cases in Santa Fe, 19 in the province of Buenos Aires (PBA), and 2 in the Autonomous City of Buenos aires (CABA). Investigations are ongoing to determine if the deaths are directly linked to the administration of fentanyl produced by the HLB pharma firm,which was administered to patients for other clinical conditions.
The epidemiological landscape also includes a persistent measles situation. Throughout the year, 35 confirmed measles cases have been reported out of 2,652 notifications for exanthematic feverish disease (EFE). These confirmed cases are distributed across PBA (21), CABA (13), and San Luis (1). of the total, 6 cases are considered imported from Russia, Thailand, Mexico, and England, while 28 cases are attributed to community transmission within Argentina.
Regarding dengue, SE 28 saw 5 new confirmed cases, bringing the annual total to 8,337 laboratory-confirmed cases and 8,687 confirmed through epidemiological-clinical links. While the number of cases is decreasing as the season concludes,viral circulation persists in certain jurisdictions,necessitating continued clinical,laboratory,and entomological surveillance.
Other Prominent Events: Tuberculosis
Between January 1st and 28th, 7,975 cases of tuberculosis (TB) were notified with a 2025 notification date. Of these, 7,597 (95.3%) were incident cases (new, relapsed, or unclassified at treatment initiation), and 378 (4.7%) were non-new cases. Pulmonary TB accounted for the majority at 83.7% (6,672 cases), with 72.1% (4,812) confirmed by bacteriology.
This data is derived from the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS 2.0) and reflects details exported up to July 13, 2025, covering all 24 jurisdictions in the country.
