Health authorities announced on March 17 that three new cases of chikungunya fever have been confirmed in Jujuy, bringing the total number of cases to nine. Javier Cadar, Secretary of General Health Coordination, said that eight adults—including one pregnant woman—and one child are affected. All patients are experiencing stable conditions with mild symptoms and are under continuous monitoring by health teams.
Cadar explained that six cases were detected in Aguas Calientes, one in Caimancito, and two in Perico. He also reported that five additional suspected cases are currently under investigation. “The epidemiological investigation found that the index case had a travel history to Tucumán, while family members traveled to different areas of Bolivia, both regions currently experiencing chikungunya outbreaks,” Cadar said.
In response to these developments, teams from Epidemiology, Primary Health Care, hospitals, municipalities, and the national Vector area have intensified actions in neighborhoods where positive cases reside. These efforts include increased focus control operations and campaigns encouraging families to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. “We remind families about preventive measures such as using repellent while active searches for febrile illnesses continue for immediate intervention,” Cadar said.
Cadar also highlighted that dengue and chikungunya share similar symptoms: “Both infections present with high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, general discomfort, abdominal pain and headache, nausea, vomiting—sometimes diarrhea—and skin redness or rashes.” He advised people experiencing these symptoms to seek care at their nearest primary care center or hospital or use the virtual consultation service available at https://salud.jujuy.gob.ar/asistenciavirtual/ from Monday to Sunday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., avoiding self-medication.
The reinforcement of prevention strategies comes as neighboring regions face outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely while urging residents to participate actively in community health efforts.
