The Ministry of Health in Jujuy has issued a reminder to the public about preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases, specifically dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. This comes as neighboring Salta Province and Bolivia report increased cases of fever linked to these viruses.
Jujuy health authorities emphasized that the region remains free of these infections but is maintaining strict epidemiological surveillance for early detection. The Central Laboratory in Jujuy is prepared to perform differential diagnoses due to the similarity in symptoms among chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and oropouche virus.
Chikungunya is caused by a virus transmitted mainly through bites from infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the same species responsible for spreading dengue and Zika in Argentina. If a mosquito feeds on an infected person’s blood, it can transmit the virus to others through subsequent bites. The virus can also be passed from pregnant women to their babies during pregnancy, underscoring the need for expectant mothers to take extra precautions.
Symptoms typically appear three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They include sudden high fever (often above 39°C), joint pain—especially in hands, feet, wrists, and ankles—which can be severe enough to limit movement. Other possible symptoms are muscle pain, headache, conjunctivitis, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and skin rash. Joint pain may persist for months and impact daily activities.
Health officials recommend several steps to prevent infection:
– Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed by removing or emptying containers.
– Cover tanks and cisterns; turn over buckets; regularly clean items that collect water; store bottles indoors.
– Change water in animal dishes and flower vases every three days while scrubbing container walls.
– Keep yards clean and weeded; maintain gutters; pour boiling water into drains; use screens on windows.
To avoid mosquito bites:
– Use insect repellent according to label instructions.
– Wear light-colored clothing covering arms and legs when outdoors.
– Install screens on doors/windows; protect baby cribs with netting.
– Use fans or air conditioning if available.
– Apply environmental repellents such as coils or tablets.
Pregnant women are advised to be especially careful in protecting themselves from mosquito bites.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should not self-medicate but seek medical attention at local health centers or hospitals. Virtual consultations are available via http://salud.jujuy.gob.ar/asistenciavirtual/ every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In response to rising fever cases along border areas with Bolivia—including Bermejo and Yacuiba—Salta Province has intensified prevention efforts in Orán Department and Salvador Mazza municipality. Recent reports confirm a chikungunya outbreak with 47 positive cases identified near Bermejo (Bolivia). Six cases have been reported in Salta Province itself—four involving individuals who had traveled recently to Bolivia.
