According to authorities, the case was detected in a passenger from the United States.
He Ministry of Healthin coordination with the National Institute of Health (INS)confirmed the detection of first case in Colombia of the virus influenza A(H3N2), subclade K (J.2.4.1). It is a imported case corresponding to a traveler from USA.
The discovery is the result of the actions of reinforced surveillance implemented from the past December 18. According to the official report, the patient presented mild respiratory symptoms —fever, rhinorrhea and cough— after taking a cruise trip departing from Miami.
Identification process
The initial detection was carried out by Antioquia Genomics Group. Subsequently, the groups of INS Virology and Genomics confirmed the diagnosis through a FilmArray respiratory molecular test.
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Despite the discovery, health authorities clarified that no increase recorded in the incidence or severity of the acute respiratory infections in the national territory. Nor has there been any reported increase in hospitalizations or deaths specifically associated with this subclade of the virus.
Vaccination effectiveness and self-care
The Ministry emphasized that scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of the current vaccine to prevent serious complications. “The dose available in Colombia for 2025 includes the strain A/H3N2 and, although there are variations specific to subclade K, its application significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization,” the authorities indicated.
Immunization is recommended as a priority for:
- Children from 6 to 23 months and adults older than 60 years.
- Pregnant womenstarting from week 14.
- People with chronic pathologies and human talent in health.
- Relatives of minors with cancer diagnosis.
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Recommendations to citizens
Given the season of greatest viral circulation, the Government reiterated the call to self care. Among the recommended measures are the frequent hand washingthe space ventilation and the use of face masks in people with respiratory symptoms.
Likewise, a request is made for minimum isolation of three days in case of illness and avoid minors attending educational centers if they present symptoms.
Finally, the Health portfolio stressed that the country has a strengthened epidemiological surveillance systemwhich allows the early detection and guarantees the information transparency before any update relevant to public health.
Source: Integrated Information System
