Chile declares hantavirus health alert across 13 regions amid rising deaths

Chile has declared a preventive health alert for hantavirus, encompassing 13 of its 16 regions from the northern Atacama to the southern Magallanes. This unprecedented measure, effective until July 2027, reflects serious concern over a marked increase in infections and fatalities from the rodent-borne virus.

This year, Chile has recorded 46 hantavirus cases and 18 deaths, resulting in a 39% fatality rate. This is a significant jump from 2025, when there were 44 cases and eight deaths, with an 18% fatality rate. The subsecretary of Public Health, Alejandra Pizarro, expressed deep concern over the rising mortality, stating, "We are very worried and busy because this year the lethality of the virus has increased, and because of this we decided to declare this alert."

“

We are very worried and busy because this year the lethality of the virus has increased, and because of this we decided to declare this alert.

The virus is endemic in Chile and transmitted through contact with the long-tailed rodent. Symptoms include fever, intense muscle pain, and respiratory distress. While often associated with warmer weather, health authorities emphasize it is not exclusive to summer and urge the public to take precautions. These include avoiding contact with rodents, ventilating homes, cleaning with chlorine, and securing garbage and food.

Globally, hantavirus gained attention earlier this year due to an outbreak on a cruise ship from Argentina, which caused three deaths and infected at least a dozen people. The Chilean alert, while significant, is described as preventive and preparatory, not indicating an ongoing epidemic or overwhelmed health system. It aims to expedite surveillance efforts, resource management, personnel hiring, and the acquisition of necessary supplies.

“

We call for extreme precautions: do not touch rodents, ventilate houses before entering if they have been closed, clean unused spaces with water and chlorine, and keep garbage covered and food protected.