News
29 April 2010
Hantavirus in Chile
As of 23 April 2010, 35 cases of hantavirus infection, including 13 deaths, have been reported since the beginning of 2010 in Chile [1]. Cases occurred in the regions of Bio Bio (11 cases), De Los Lagos (eight), De Los Rios (five), Del Maule (three), Araucania (three), O’Higgins (two), Valparaiso (one) and Aysen (one). The majority of cases were reported during February and March 2010 and have occurred in areas affected by the recent earthquake [2].
Hantavirus is endemic to Chile and occurs seasonally with most cases usually reported during the spring and summer months in Chile (November to February)[3].
Hantavirus infection
HantaviruAses are a group of viruses belonging to the family Bunyaviridae. Rodents are the reservoir hosts. Humans can become infected with hantaviruses when they inhale virus particles from rodent excreta (urine, faeces or saliva).
Hantaviruses cause two major clinical syndromes, although there can be a spectrum of severity: haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Puumala hantavirus is the most common hantavirus infection in Europe and usually causes a mild form of HFRS.
The cases in Chile have presented as the more severe HPS. Patients present with fever, myalgias and gastrointestinal symptoms followed by the abrupt onset of respiratory distress, hypotension and respiratory failure. The case fatality rate can be as high as 40% to 50%. There is no specific treatment is available and cases require intensive support.
Advice for travellers
The risk of hantavirus infection for most travellers to Chile is very low. The Health Ministry of Chile recommends precautions for those who may be in close proximity with rodents, such as travellers undertaking activities in rural areas such as camping, or those visiting areas affected by the recent earthquake [3]:
- Avoid direct contact with rodents or their excreta.
- Areas used by rodents should be cleaned with disinfectant and then vacuumed whilst wearing a mask and gloves.
- Take measures to avoid attracting rodents, such as keeping food covered and not storing firewood inside.
There is no vaccine to protect against hantavirus infection.
Information on the specific health risks for travellers to Chile can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages.
References
1. Boletín Epidemiológico de Hantavirus. Situación al 23 Abril 2010. [Accessed 29 April 2010]. Available at: http://epi.minsal.cl/epi/html/bolets/reportes/Hantavirus/
2. United Nations. Chile Earthquake Situation. Report 14. 19-25 April 2010. [Accessed 29 April 2010]. Available at:
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/VVOS-84WQ6S/$File/full_report.pdf
3. Ministerio de Salud de Chile, Ministerio de Salud refuerza llamado a prevenir contagios por hantavirus. 5 February 2010. [Accessed 29 April 2010]. Available at: http://www.redsalud.gov.cl/noticias/noticias.php?id_n=715
Links:
European Centre for Disease Control: Hantavirus factsheet
Health Protection Agency: Hantavirus background information
Ministry of Health, Chile. Appeal to prevent Hantavirus infection
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