The Ministry of Public Health in Argentina’s Tucumán province reported a second fatality tied to a previously unidentified illness that has produced bilateral pneumonia. At a press conference, health officials explained that last Monday six patients were identified with bilateral pneumonia, including one hospital staff member, with four in serious condition and one being treated at home in isolation. The ministry confirmed that this second death occurred before the latest announcement from the provincial health authorities.
All affected individuals began showing symptoms between August 18 and August 22 and were subjected to a comprehensive set of laboratory tests that included assessments for covid-19, influenza A and influenza B. All results returned negative. The health leadership stressed that the culprit appears to be a viral infectious agent, and that identifying the exact cause is a priority for ongoing investigations. They cautioned that the contagion does not appear to be highly aggressive, and there have been no new cases reported since August 22.
Authorities are actively pursuing a thorough epidemiological investigation to understand the transmission dynamics of this outbreak. This work includes tracing close contacts of every confirmed case and implementing targeted control measures within the health facilities where the cluster emerged. The recorded cases involve five healthcare workers and a patient from the intensive care unit of a private hospital located in San Miguel de Tucumán. Public health teams are coordinating with hospital leadership to strengthen infection prevention practices, monitor potential secondary transmission, and safeguard vulnerable populations while the etiological agent continues to be characterized through laboratory testing and clinical review.