The Ministry of Health of the province of Buenos Aires reported in the last hours that investigates three cases of chikungunya fever in Buenos Aires residents with no travel history. The viral disease is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito, the same vector of the dengue and zika viruses, and, as indicated, the results of the analyzes carried out by the National Network of Laboratories are now awaiting to determine whether or not it is in presence of an autochthonous outbreak of cases.
Despite the notice, the health authorities clarified that so far there is no viral circulation of dengue or zika in the province of Buenos Aires. However, they called on the health teams to intensify epidemiological surveillance to reinforce the detection of suspected cases.
Of the three cases reported to the National Health Surveillance System, two people reside in Admiral Brown and they belong to the same family group, while none required hospitalization and they are in good health; and the third patient resides in Quilmes.
During 2023, imported cases of chikungunya and dengue fever were reported in 18 municipalities and another 27 are still under study. The Buenos Aires Ministry of Health works from the Sanitary Regions and with the municipalities in each of the territories, coordinating focus, peri-focus and search for feverish people in the area of residence of the cases.
Within this framework, the Province once again reiterated the main prevention measures to prevent the spread of the virus that can cause serious complications in the health of infected people:
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Eliminate all unused containers that can accumulate water and cover those that are useful and cannot be discarded.
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Preferably dress in light-colored clothing with long sleeves.
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Use environmental repellents such as spirals or pills.
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Cover cribs and strollers with tulle.
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Install mosquito nets on doors and windows.
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Use repellents and reapply them from time to time depending on the concentration: a repellent with 25% DEET protects for 6 hours.
