The Ministry of Health of Jujuy confirmed on March 12 the first case of Chikungunya virus infection in Aguas Calientes, diagnosed through RT-qPCR molecular biology technique. The patient is an 80-year-old resident who began experiencing symptoms such as joint pain, muscle aches, and abdominal pain on March 6. The individual is currently stable, receiving outpatient treatment, and under continuous medical supervision.
This development has prompted health teams to activate epidemiological protocols that include vector control measures, clinical follow-up, and active surveillance in the affected area. Another person aged 73 living at the same address is also under clinical and epidemiological monitoring. Three additional cases are being investigated as technical teams look into travel history and possible epidemiological links to determine the source of infection.
Primary Health Care teams have carried out territorial operations around the patient’s residence, focusing on four city blocks and inspecting twelve homes. These actions aimed to identify potential mosquito breeding sites and detect people with fever syndromes compatible with Chikungunya.
Following confirmation of the case, health authorities intensified their response by implementing indoor fumigation, actively searching for symptomatic individuals, closely monitoring contacts, and reinforcing focal control by removing containers that could collect water.
The Ministry has also strengthened epidemiological surveillance across all health facilities in the region and emphasized timely reporting of suspected cases through the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS 2.0), which is considered a key tool for early detection and coordinated response.
Residents are reminded to maintain preventive measures against mosquito proliferation by eliminating standing water from homes and surroundings, keeping roofs, patios, and gardens clean, using repellent during daytime hours, and installing screens on doors and windows. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, intense joint pain, muscle aches or headaches should visit their nearest health center for evaluation rather than self-medicating.
