Argentina’s Dengue Season Commences with Local Transmission Concerns

Argentina’s dengue season began with 1,443 confirmed cases since week #31 of 2024, primarily due to local transmission. High case counts are noted in the Central and Northwest regions. The government is implementing a Strategic Plan for Dengue Prevention and Control, while the U.S. CDC advises travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites.

The dengue season in Argentina commenced slowly with 1,443 confirmed cases since week 31 of 2024, according to the Ministry of Health. Notably, as of March 10, 2025, 96.9% of dengue cases reported local transmission, lacking any travel history to endemic areas.

The Central and Northwest regions of Argentina are experiencing the highest number of cases, comprising 816 and 237 incidents respectively. Additionally, there were 45 cases linked to travel to countries including Brazil, Cuba, and Thailand among others. The influx of international travelers in 2023, primarily to Buenos Aires, adds to the context.

In 2024, Argentina recorded approximately 581,000 dengue cases alongside 400 related fatalities. To combat the issue, Health Minister Mario Lugones led a meeting on March 11, 2025, to discuss the Strategic Plan for Dengue Prevention and Control for 2024-2025, aimed at enhancing local response capacities and future outbreak management.

The meeting also outlined progress in developing a national dynamic map that will incorporate geographic and climatological data to identify at-risk areas for dengue outbreaks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Advisory due to the dengue epidemic in the Americas, urging travelers to avoid mosquito bites as dengue vaccines are not available in the U.S. Routine and travel vaccinations for diseases like chikungunya and yellow fever are recommended for those planning to visit Argentina in 2025.

In summary, Argentina is experiencing a slow start to the dengue season, with a significant percentage of local transmission cases. Key regions are particularly affected, while international travel continues to influence the situation. The government is taking proactive steps to manage outbreaks and inform travelers of health risks. The CDC’s recommended precautions highlight the importance of being vigilant against mosquito bites during visits to endemic areas.

Original Source: www.vax-before-travel.com