Chile has declared a nationwide health alert that is expected to remain in effect until July 31, 2027, after the fatality rate of hantavirus rose sharply. The alert covers 13 of the country's 16 regions, from Atacama to Magallanes.
Rising Fatality Rate and Cases
According to official statistics, the fatality rate of hantavirus in Chile has increased from 18% to 39% in just one year. As of last week, 46 cases of infection and 18 deaths have been recorded so far this year.
Cases have been documented in the regions of Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O'Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos, Los Lagos, and Aysén.
Reasons for the Alert
The Chilean Ministry of Health said the decision was driven by concern over the virus's increased lethality. Undersecretary of Public Health Dr. Alejandra Pizarro stated: "The hantavirus causes a disease that is endemic to Chile, transmitted by the long-tailed pygmy rice rat that lives in rural and semi-rural areas throughout almost the entire country."
She added: "As a ministry, we are constantly monitoring its behaviour and are very concerned and focused because this year the virus's lethality has increased, and due to this, we have decided to declare this alert."
Transmission and Precautions
Contracting hantavirus is mainly caused by breathing in airborne particles from dried rodent droppings. The virus can also be transmitted by rodent scratches and bites. Dr. Pizarro urged precautions: "Avoid touching rodents, ventilate homes before entering if they have been closed, clean unused spaces with water and bleach, and keep garbage covered and food stored."
Previous Outbreak
Hantavirus made global headlines in May after an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which led to at least 11 reported cases among passengers, including three deaths. At the time, the World Health Organization said they were not expecting an epidemic, according to Dr. Abdirahman Mahamud.
