Young man dies of hantavirus in Argentina's Neuquén province

A 26-year-old man from the rural area of Neuquén, Argentina, has died from hantavirus, with his diagnosis confirmed by the Central Laboratory of Neuquén. The young man was admitted to Aluminé Hospital with a high fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and severe abdominal pain. His condition rapidly deteriorated, prompting medical authorities to transfer him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Zapala Hospital. Despite receiving mechanical ventilation, he suffered cardiac arrest and passed away within 48 hours of admission.

Epidemiological investigations suggest the man's work in rural areas and the presence of rodents and poultry in his environment were significant risk factors for contracting the virus. Hantavirus is a severe acute viral illness caused by hanta virus, endemic in the Andean region and transmitted by the "colilargo" rodent. The virus is shed in the saliva, feces, and urine of infected rodents.

The Ministry of Health in Neuquén reminded residents that hantavirus is present year-round in the mountainous region, emphasizing the need for continuous preventive measures. Argentina has four endemic regions, with the southern region, including Neuquén, being particularly relevant due to the Andes Sur genotype, the only variant globally documented to transmit between humans. This necessitates specific epidemiological surveillance, especially among close contacts.

While Neuquén typically sees an average of two hantavirus cases per year, with historical peaks of up to eight, the disease has a high fatality rate, nearing 40%. The recent death marks the first case of the year. Symptoms often mimic the flu, including fever, muscle pain, and headache, but can quickly progress to severe respiratory failure. Transmission primarily occurs through inhalation.