Eleven people from the NW province of Jujuy (municipalities of San Pedro, Palma Sola, Libertador General San Martín and Calilegua) have been found to have contracted hantavirus; most acquired the infection after coming into contact with aerosolised virus shed by the vector, a species of wild mouse, while hunting or fishing. Despite the current case count representing an increase of more than half compared to last year, it is a substantial reduction on figures from two decades ago. Read more. Also in the region, eight hantavirus infections have been recorded among rural workers in Bolivia’s central department of Cochabamba with one death resulting.
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.