The Ministry of Health is responsible Mario Lugonespublished the latest report from the National Epidemiological Bulletin and reported on a Increase in cases of Hantavirus in the country. According to the data, the increase this year was 17%, and 70% of transmitted infections are concentrated in the central region through contact with rodents, their urine or feces.
The report identifies risk areas in four regions: northwest (Salta, Jujuy and Tucuman), Northeast (Misiones, Formosa and Chaco), center (City and Province of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Entre Ríos) and south (Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut). In addition, it indicates a pronounced seasonality, cThe highest incidence between October and May: 90% of infections were registered between September and April.
At the national level they have been notified 23 confirmed cases of hantavirus, nine of whom died, for a fatality rate of 39%. The Center region was also the hardest hit in terms of the number of infections and deaths. In this context, the government called for controls and prevention measures to be strengthened.
Hantavirus, which is widespread worldwide, is transmitted through contact with rodents or their excretions. The incubation period is between one and six weeks. The virus There is no transmission from person to personexcept in the case of Patagonian tribethe only one in the world that can be transmitted through close contact between people in the first days of symptoms.
Infection occurs through inhalation of virus particles present in contaminated dust in enclosed environments – such as warehouses, barns, stables, houses or shelters – or through bites from infected rodents.
The virus can cause a serious lung infection, which in some cases leads to… Hantavirus pulmonary syndromea potentially fatal condition, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms begin one to eight weeks after exposure and include fatigue, fever, and muscle pain. In advanced stages, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness may occur due to fluid buildup in the lungs. About a third of patients who develop respiratory problems die.
The most important preventive measure is to minimize contact with rodents and their feces.
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