In a follow-up to a report in late February, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on some extra details Monday on the case in Argentina.

Condom pic
Image/Debora Cartagena

On 29 February 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Argentina notified PAHO/WHO of a potential first case of Zika virus infection.

The patient is a woman from the province of Cordoba who developed symptoms on 16 February* and was confirmed positive for Zika virus infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the Provincial Central Laboratory. She is related to an imported case who presented with symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection and who had recent travelled to Colombia, a Zika virus-affected country.

The mode of transmission of the virus is under investigation; however, it is likely that the infection was sexually transmitted. Samples from both patients have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory for further testing and confirmation.

Currently, the province of Cordoba is registering a dengue epidemic. Local health authorities are conducting vector control activities as well as carrying out active case finding.

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