Minute30.com .- The mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez, confirmed this Tuesday that the National Institute of Health (INS) reported the first case of the influenza A (H3N2) variant in the country. The discovery was possible thanks to the timely monitoring of the District Health Secretariat, following the protocols of the International Health Regulations.
The case corresponds to a 2-year-old child residing in the capital of Antioquia. According to the official report, the minor contracted the virus during an international trip in October. Fortunately, the patient had mild symptoms, suffered no complications, and did not require hospitalization. The authorities confirmed that the child is completely recovered.
No alarms: The variant is not of major severity
Given the news, the local president sent a message of reassurance to citizens, clarifying that there is no scientific evidence, neither in Colombia nor internationally, that this variant of the virus presents greater clinical severity compared to other strains of influenza.
“In Medellín, respiratory infection indicators show stable behavior and even decreases in consultations and hospitalizations,” said Gutiérrez, highlighting the robust epidemiological surveillance that the city has.
A key piece of information for this year’s end is that the 2025 influenza vaccine already includes specific protection against the A(H3N2) strain.
Key points about vaccination:
The vaccine is safe, free and available at all health points in the public and private network.
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It is especially recommended for children, older adults and people with comorbidities.
It is the most effective tool to avoid hospitalizations and deaths from respiratory viruses.
Medellín, prepared for the response
The Medellín health network remains on preventive alert to address any increase in respiratory cases, typical of the rainy season and December travel. The call from the authorities is not to let your guard down, apply basic biosafety protocols if you have symptoms and, above all, go to the vaccination posts.
In Medellín we take care of each other. Science and prevention continue to be our best allies in the face of public health challenges.
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