Panama Ministry of Health confirms hantavirus case in Los Santos

The Panama Ministry of Health (Minsa) has confirmed a positive hantavirus case in a 40-year-old patient from the Montero community in the Guararé district, Los Santos province. The patient is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Chitré, Herrera province, where medical staff are working to improve her pulmonary function.

The diagnosis was officially issued by the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies. Health authorities noted that the virus is transmitted to humans through contact with or inhalation of excreta from infected rodents, such as the long-tailed mouse (Oligoryzomys fulvescens). The disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Officials expressed concern that recent rains and the displacement of families following the earthquake on October 9 have increased the risk of rodent exposure in temporary shelters and damaged homes. Minsa has advised the public to seal cracks in dwellings, store food in airtight containers, and avoid accumulating debris near living areas to prevent rodent entry.