Dengue and chikungunya in Argentina

19 Apr 2023

The Argentinian Ministry of Health reports a continuing dengue fever outbreak. From 1 January 2023 to 8 April 2023, there have been 41 257 cases of dengue in Argentina. Currently, dengue virus is circulating in 4 regions: Central Region (Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe); Cuyo Region (San Luis); NEA Region (Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco); NOA Region (Catamarca,Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero, Tucumán).

The Ministry of Health also reports 1 092 cases of chikungunya. Circulation of chikungunya virus has virus has been confirmed in Buenos Aires; CABA; Chaco; Cordova; Corrientes; Formosa and Santa Fe and Salta.

Dengue and chikungunya are infections found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. They are spread by mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness.

There are no vaccines against dengue or chikungunya licensed in the UK. 

Advice for Travellers

The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk.  They are particularly persistent and aggressive.

If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

• You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.

For further information see the dengue fever and chikungunya pages.