Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Event: Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, is a contagious, viral illness primarily found in wild birds. On February 26, 2026, Argentina confirmed the detection of HPAI in a sick, wild swan within Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur in the city of Buenos Aires. In response, the National and Municipal Ministries of Health initiated testing and surveillance of wild birds in other parks within the city as well as monitoring of the small number of Costanera Sur workers who were exposed to the infected swan. At this time, no human cases have been reported in the city of Buenos Aires.

Actions to Take: 

• Avoid contact with wild birds and do not touch birds that are dead, appear ill or are acting strangely, especially at parks, plazas, and ecological reserves in Buenos Aires.
• Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page for Argentina .
• Consult Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s page on Avian Influenza .

Assistance: 

• U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Phone number: +54 11 5777 4533
  • Contact us through the ACS Navigator
• State Department – Consular Affairs
  • 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Argentina Country Specific Information 
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts.
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