Wild rats are flourishing in the many rubbish dumps that have sprung up near San Salvador in the NW province of Jujuy, in turn leading to a rise in hantavirus infections which are transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their urine/droppings. There have been more than 370 suspected infections in the state, 18 confirmed and one death. More comments on ProMED. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hantavirus is passed on to humans through contact with hantavirus-infected rodents or their urine and droppings. Eliminating rats in and around living quarters is the main way of preventing hantavirus infection. Cases have been documented in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay, making HPS a pan-hemispheric disease. Read more about hantavirus.
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.