He H3N2 influenza K subclasswhich has spread rapidly throughout Asia, Europe and North America in recent months, is already in South America and it is estimated that it could soon be recorded in Argentina Health monitoring of travelers will be increased.
The Ministry of Health of Peru (Minsa) declared the national preventive epidemiological alert after the first two cases of influenza A (H3N2) subclass K were confirmed. These are two minors residing in limewhich are developing positively without serious complications, as reported by Vice Minister Leonardo Rojas and the director of the National Epidemiology Center, César Munayco. These cases mark the official arrival of this variant in South America. Now in Bolivia An orange alert has been declared for a suspected case of H3N2, possibly variant K, in a patient from Japan who remains under observation awaiting genomic confirmation.
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In Argentina According to the Ministry of Health, no cases or spread of subclass K have been detected. As a preventative measure, the health authorities and the Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine are stepping up epidemiological surveillance cooperate with and promote international organizations Flu vaccination in risk groups (elderly people, children under two years old, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised or have comorbidities).
What is H3N2 flu subclass K?
The K subclass (technically called J.2.4.1) is a genetic evolution the H3N2 subtype, which produces a seasonal flu variant particularly contagious, but not more seriousWhat increases transmissibility are mutations in hemagglutinin, a hybrid molecule consisting of a protein bound to carbohydrates that is crucial for the virus to enter cells. The symptoms are typical of the seasonal flu: sudden high fever, dry cough, sore throat, myalgia, severe fatigue and headache.
This subtype has been detected in particular since August 2025 Australia and New Zealand, where the southern winter flu hit hard. As temperatures dropped, it quickly spread to the Northern Hemisphere. In Europe It represented almost half of the genetic sequences reported between May and November; dominates up to 90% of cases in Japan; and in North America (USA and Canada), it gradually reached 89% of characterized H3N2 samples. According to World Health Organization reports, it has been identified in more than 34 countries worldwide.
In Latin America, the Pan American Health Organization issued an informative note on December 11 reaffirming the need for strengthening Genomic surveillance, vaccination and health services preparednessgiven the risk of Imports for international travel. One case was discovered this past week Mexico which adds up to seven inches Costa Rica. PAHO assures that, according to the GISAID platform, there is no sustainable circulation in the region until mid-December.
In Peru, Minsa declared a national preventive epidemiological alert, stressing that the risk of massive outbreaks is low due to the current warm climate, but could increase in the winter of 2026. No restrictive measures such as the cancellation of events or the use of face masks are reported.
What is the situation regarding the K variant of the H3N2 flu in Argentina?
Although no cases or spread of subclass K have been detected, epidemiological surveillance coordinated with international organizations has been strengthened and influenza vaccination promoted in at-risk groups recommend precautionary measures for travelers come from affected areas.
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The Provincial Ministry of Health Cordova formed an expert committee to monitor the spread of this variant. The Provincial Ministry of Health currentsMinister Emilio Lanari has made an urgent recommendation to increase flu vaccination. The approach is preventative; Experts emphasize this 2025 vaccines provide partial protection against hospital admissions (30-75% depending on age).
The Key recommendations To prevent infection, follow vaccination schedules, ventilate rooms, increase hand hygiene and consult a doctor at the first symptoms. Increased monitoring of those traveling to regions where this variant is widespread is also encouraged.
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