Argentina records 47 new hantavirus cases, total 107 for 2025‑26 season

Argentina's National Epidemiological Bulletin reported 47 new hantavirus infections in epidemiological week 21, raising the season total (2025‑2026) to 107 confirmed cases. The Central region accounts for 54% of all cases, with the Province of Buenos Aires alone recording 44 infections.

In the Northwest (NOA) the incidence is higher at 0.63 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; of the 37 cases there, 81% were found in Salta province. The southern region contributed 12 cases distributed among Río Negro (6), Chubut (5) and Neuquén (1).

Hantavirus spreads primarily through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with rodent urine, saliva or feces. Risk is greatest in wilderness areas, suburban and rural settings, peri‑domestic environments and enclosed structures such as warehouses where rodents are present. Public health guidance emphasizes rodent‑proofing, avoiding dry sweeping in suspected infestations and using disinfectants to wet down debris before cleaning.