Hantavirus Outbreak in Argentina: Risks and Precautions for 2026

Health authorities in Argentina are reporting a concerning increase in hantavirus infections, with the country currently above the outbreak alert threshold. As of February 26, 2026, a total of 79 confirmed cases have been reported since July 2025, including at least five deaths in 2026. Travelers to rural and outdoor areas, particularly in the Central and Southern regions, should be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus infection is a zoonotic disease, meaning it’s transmitted from animals to humans. In the Americas, the primary cause of hantavirus illness is the Andes virus. Humans become infected through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents, typically through inhalation of aerosolized particles. Outbreak Updates – NaTHNaC

Current Situation in Argentina (2025-2026)

Nationally, from Epidemiological Week 1 to Epidemiological Week 53 of 2025, 86 confirmed cases of hantavirus were reported, resulting in 28 deaths – a case fatality rate of 33.6%. Outbreak News Today. During the current epidemiological season (July 2025 to February 2026), 58 cases and 20 deaths were reported as of January 2026. Argentina prioritizes hantavirus surveillance. As of February 8, 2026, 19 cases had been reported since the start of the year, bringing the total since July 2025 to 79. Outbreak Updates – NaTHNaC

The Central region accounts for the largest proportion of cases (62%), followed by the Northwest (29%) and the Southern region (8%). The provinces most affected include Buenos Aires, Salta, Entre Ríos, and Río Negro. Outbreak News Today

Symptoms and Risks

The most frequent clinical presentation of hantavirus infection in the Americas is Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). Symptoms typically begin abruptly with fever, malaise, and gastrointestinal issues, followed by respiratory distress and hypotension. Hantavirus in Argentina: 14 confirmed cases in 2026 to date.

Fatality rates for HPS in Argentina have historically ranged from 18.6% to 40%, depending on the region and outbreak. Hantavirus in Argentina: 14 confirmed cases in 2026 to date. The median age of confirmed cases this season is 34 years, with 74% of cases occurring in individuals aged 20-49. Outbreak News Today

Prevention and Precautions

Currently, there is no FDA-approved or widely available vaccine for hantavirus, particularly for the New World strains prevalent in the Americas. Hantavirus in Argentina: 14 confirmed cases in 2026 to date. Vaccines exist for Old World hantaviruses, but they are not effective against HPS. Research into new vaccines is ongoing, but none are currently approved for apply in Europe or the U.S.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, urine, or saliva.
• Seal any cracks or holes in buildings to prevent rodent entry.
• Retain food stored in rodent-proof containers.
• Clean up rodent infestations carefully, using appropriate protective gear.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, muscle pain, headache, and vomiting after potential exposure.

Regional Risks

Specific risks vary by region:

• Northwestern Argentina (NOA): Cases are concentrated in the Yungas region.
• Southern Argentina: Cases are located in the Patagonian Forests.
• Central Argentina: The highest concentration of cases is linked to the gallery forest of the Paraná Delta and Islands, including the Samborombón wetlands and areas near La Plata.

Healthcare teams in affected jurisdictions are advised to increase their suspicion of hantavirus in patients presenting with relevant symptoms. Hantavirus in Argentina: 14 confirmed cases in 2026 to date