Hantavirus patient on ECMO in Chile's Los Lagos region

A 37‑year‑old woman from the rural commune of Palena in Chile's Los Lagos region was diagnosed with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and transferred to a hospital in Concepción, where she was placed on mechanical ventilation and ECMO support. Health authorities activated a sanitary protocol, tracing contacts and monitoring for symptoms; none have shown signs of infection so far.

The case raises the national tally to 45 confirmed hantavirus infections this year, with nine cases reported in Los Lagos and a regional lethality rate of 55.5%. Officials urged residents in rural areas to adopt preventive measures such as ventilating enclosed spaces, clearing vegetation, and sealing cracks to limit rodent exposure.