Epidemic hazard

The EpiCore network has verified the occurrence of a fatal case of influenza in a 19-year-old individual in Chuquisaca department. However, contrary to some media reports suggesting Influenza A (H3N3), the official diagnosis was Influenza A(H3N2), a common strain in the area known to cause severe illness even among young and otherwise healthy individuals. The network has provided detailed information quoting local health officials about the current A(H3N2) situation in the department. Based on the feedback collected, there have been so far 9 confirmed cases. The fatal case, transferred to Sucre after delayed treatment in Monteagudo, arrived in extremely critical condition requiting immediate ICU admission and quickly developed severe pneumonia with acute respiratory failure. Hantavirus, dengue, chikungunya, and leptospirosis were excluded after testing. The authorities stated the death was caused by pneumonia complications aggravated by delayed treatment. The case may involve the ‘variant k’ and a confirmation from INLASA is pending. Currently there is only one more active A (H3N2) case in the department: an 82-year-old former miner with pre-existing conditions. Based on the information shared by the network, all cases are considered imported, with no local transmission reported. Despite this, a health alert is in place and new H3N2 vaccines are expected soon. The RFI has been supported by pertinent feedback based on information directly quoting local health authorities, which has clarified that there have been no H3N3 cases reported in the area. MEDIA SOURCES DIRECTLY QUOTING LOCAL AUTHORITIES (examples): https://www.facebook.com/reel/4491422511103670 https://www.facebook.com/BTVCanalOficial/videos/btv-informa/1423418922814920/ https://www.facebook.com/correodelsur/videos/un-joven-de-19-a%C3%B1os-falleci%C3%B3-por-influenza-en-la-ciudad-de-sucre/927807683068082/ https://erbol.com.bo/gente/sucre-sin-vacunas-contra-la-influenza-h3n2-tras-primera-muerte-del-a%C3%B1o https://www.reduno.com.bo/noticias/confirman-ocho-casos-positivos-y-una-muerte-por-influenza-en-chuquisaca-202622665820