Targeted surveillance has detected 11 New World hantavirus cases to date this year – six were the more serious complication, cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) and the remainder, hantavirus fever. Several central provinces have reported the infections: Los Santos (Tonosí), Herrera (Parita), Coclé (Aguadulce) Veraguas (Soná) and Panama East region. A larger outbreak of hantavirus infections was reported in 2018 and was likely related to environmental impacts on the rodent host. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hantavirus is generally spread from various rodent species to people, through aerosols shed in excreta, urine or saliva, but to a lesser extent via the bite of an infected animal. The syndromes resulting from infection vary by region - in Europe and Asia, the 'Old World' hantaviruses may cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), while the New World' hantaviruses in the Americas can result in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Read more on hantavirus from the US CDC.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.