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Latin America Tightens Flu Watch as H3N2 Subclade K Detected and Lima ERs Strained

Officials say this is not a new pandemic, with a focus on targeted vaccination for high‑risk groups during holiday travel.

Overview

  • Peru’s health ministry reports six confirmed H3N2 cases, opens a situational room to track trends, and recommends masks only for symptomatic people or inside health facilities.
  • Emergency departments at Lima’s Loayza, Hipólito Unanue, Dos de Mayo and María Auxiliadora hospitals report saturation linked to increased community transmission.
  • Argentina confirms three H3N2 K cases as Santa Fe and Córdoba step up surveillance, send samples to ANLIS Malbrán, and press vaccination for priority groups.
  • Regional actions intensify: Lambayeque targets roughly 20,000 older adults for influenza shots, and Catamarca advises swab testing for travelers returning from affected areas.
  • Experts report higher transmissibility without evidence of greater lethality; Mexico underscores tetravalent flu vaccine coverage for AH3N2, as some Argentine specialists warn of low coverage and supply strains.