Argentina Faces Localized Dengue Cases as New Season Begins

Argentina has reported 1,443 dengue cases at the start of the 2024/2025 season; 96.9% were locally transmitted. Key regions affected include Central and Northwest Argentina. In response, health officials are developing a national dynamic map to aid in outbreak prevention. The U.S. CDC has issued a travel advisory regarding dengue risk for travelers to Argentina.

Argentina has entered the dengue season for 2024/2025, beginning with 1,443 confirmed cases reported by the Ministry of Health as of the end of week 31 in 2024. Notably, 96.9% of these cases have occurred without any travel history, highlighting significant local transmission of the disease via mosquitoes.

The Central and Northwest regions of Argentina have been particularly affected, with 816 and 237 reported cases respectively. Additionally, 45 cases have been linked to individuals who traveled to regions including Brazil, Cuba, and Thailand, among others. The influx of international visitors to Argentina, primarily to Buenos Aires, has also contributed to the current situation.

In the previous year, Argentina reported approximately 581,000 dengue cases and 400 related deaths. On March 11, 2025, Health Minister Mario Lugones convened a meeting to discuss the Strategic Plan for Dengue Prevention and Control for 2024-2025, outlining actions, achievements, and strategies to enhance regional responses to potential outbreaks.

A significant development includes the creation of a new national dynamic map that will integrate geographic, demographic, and climatic data relevant to rainfall and temperature conditions. This tool aims to facilitate proactive measures against dengue outbreaks.

To warn international travelers about health risks in the region, the U.S. CDC has reissued a Travel Health Advisory regarding the dengue epidemic in the Americas. Given the unavailability of dengue vaccines in the United States, the CDC advises travelers to endemic areas to take precautions against mosquito bites. The agency also recommends routine vaccinations for chikungunya and yellow fever when visiting Argentina in 2025.

The onset of the 2024/2025 dengue season in Argentina has shown alarming local transmission rates, with over 96% of cases being non-travel related. With strategic efforts led by the Health Ministry and the introduction of a national mapping tool, there is a focused attempt to combat future outbreaks. Meanwhile, international travelers are being cautioned about the health risks through updated advisories, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against mosquito bites during their visits.

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