'It's very common here, we know what we have to do' - Health authorities activate emergency protocols for first confirmed case of hantavirus in Argentina's Patagonia

"Health authorities in Bariloche, in Argentina's Patagonia region, have confirmed the first case of hantavirus infection in the city. This has immediately activated epidemiological surveillance protocols in the area. It involves a 45-year-old man who remains hospitalised at the Zonal Hospital of Bariloche, 'Dr Ramon Carrillo'. According to epidemiologist Rodrigo Bustamante, the case was detected after the appearance of symptoms compatible with the disease and subsequent clinical tests. "We have a confirmed case here at the Bariloche Hospital of a 45-year-old male patient who is hospitalised for hantavirus," confirmed the specialist. Hantavirus is a viral disease primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents. Authorities explained that the contagion occurs via inhalation when people breathe in virus particles present in the contaminated environment, either terrestrially or aerially. This leads to severe respiratory complications and even death. "The route of entry is always inhalation; we inhale the viral particles and, well, after between five and 45 days, symptoms can start," explained the epidemiologist. According to authorities, the confirmed patient remains under medical care, and they indicated that a strict follow-up of the patient's close contacts is being carried out and that no new cases have been detected in the area so far. "There are no more suspected cases for now," the expert concluded. Meanwhile, the provincial Ministry of Health reminded the population of the importance of taking extreme preventive measures, especially in rural areas, campsites, and homes that have been closed for a long time. The recent incident in Bariloche, Argentina, adds to the concerns surrounding the recent quarantine of passengers on a cruise ship that left Ushuaia for the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are located northwest of Africa and have experienced an outbreak of a rare strain of hantavirus, known as the 'Andes' strain, which has been detected in both Argentina and Chile. This strain has the potential for human-to-human transmission and has so far resulted in three fatalities. "

Go to News Site