Health Minister of the province Roberto Schwartz confirmed the death of a 2-year-old admitted Feb. 21, 2016 to the San Luis Hospital with characteristic symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Schwartz, who described the outbreak as “sporadic,” said the province has the inputs and technology needed to diagnose and treat the disease, which occurs by exposure to bacteria in poorly cooked meat or through (poor) food processing. The minister recommended using domestic prevention measures such as cooking red meats, especially hamburgers, sausages and meatballs, at a suitable temperature, and washing hands before handling food, as well as appropriate kitchen hygiene to avoid cross-contamination of food.

The case that triggered the alert was preceded by that of a child from Mendoza, who vacationed in San Luis and entered the hospital on Jan. 28, 2016 with the same diagnosis, although it is unclear whether the cases are related.