The ECDC reports that both Slovenia and Croatia have recorded significant increases in cases of viral haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome related to hantavirus infections, while in Austria, 200 Puumala virus infections have been registered, mostly from regions bordering Slovenia. Peaks in the cycles of infections occur when food is plentiful for the rodent hosts; transmission to humans is via ‘the inhalation of infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva’. More about hantavirus from the ECDC. 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.