In the southern lowlands department of Tarija, hantavirus infection has led to the deaths of two soldiers (one confirmed, one suspected), nine others have been hospitalised and more than 80 are symptomatic. They were based at a military school in Sanandita in the city of Yacuiba (near the Argentine border); all soldiers have now been evacuated to Santa Cruz as a precautionary measure. 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.