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Mexico Confirms First H3N2 Subclade K Case as WHO Flags Wider Global Spread

Health authorities report the patient has recovered and urge vaccination and stepped-up surveillance to protect vulnerable groups.

Overview

  • Mexico’s National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) identified the case, which was managed with outpatient antivirals, and the patient has recovered.
  • The Health Ministry says the virus shows seasonal flu–like behavior, clinical management remains the same, and it is not a cause for alarm, with SINAVE maintaining active monitoring.
  • WHO/PAHO have warned of increased circulation of the H3N2 K subclade, widely detected in Europe and East Asia with growing presence in the United States and Canada.
  • Peru’s Health Ministry rates the current risk as low to moderate, has activated surveillance ahead of year‑end travel, and reports sufficient vaccine supply for priority groups.
  • Specialists note current seasonal vaccines do not include K-specific antigens, which may reduce strain-specific protection, yet vaccination still helps prevent severe illness, and Peru reports no detections of K to date.