In the middle of summer, the Hanta virus is once again causing concern in our country. This, after a 22-year-old young man who helped victims in Pencodied after testing positive in Hanta rapid test.
According to the Ministry of Health (Minsal)he Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome It is an acute infectious disease, usually severe, that can be fatal.
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This disease has been present in our country since the middle of the 90s and is acquired through contact with wild ”long-tailed” mice (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus) portadores del virus.
It is commonly characterized by high fever in a previously healthy person, chills, headache, musculoskeletal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain). The fever, superior a 38.3ºCis accompanied by respiratory distress without a known cause.
How is the virus spread?
According to the Minsal, the infected mouse eliminates the virus through urine, feces and saliva.
Subsequently, it is transmitted to humans mainly through the respiratory tract.
The disease is spread by:
- Breathe in fresh or dried droplets, or air contaminated by saliva, urine, or droppings from an infected mouse.
- Eating food or water contaminated with urine, feces or saliva of these rodents.
- Having direct contact with droppings or secretions of infected mice (for example, touching mice, live or dead, with bare hands; direct contact of wounds with mice or their urine, saliva, or feces).
- Touch any object where the virus has been deposited (tools, utensils, furniture, clothing) and then bring your hand close to your nose, eyes or mouth.
- Being bitten by an infected mouse.
- There is no evidence of transmission of the virus by insects, domestic animals or livestock. In Argentina, a case of possible person-to-person transmission has been reported, although the mechanism of this transmission is unknown.
- Respiratory infection occurs in closed places and with the recent presence of mice, so transmission is rare in open places, exposed to wind and sun.
Preventive measures
Likewise, the ministry presented a series of measures to prevent contagion.
Inside the homes:
- Seal with resistant materials (steel, cement, etc.) all openings where rodents can enter.
- Eliminate disused elements that can serve as shelter for rodents.
- Make a good disposal of garbage, through closed jars with lids.
- Keep food stored in airtight containers.
- Do not keep food remains, including those from pets, within the reach of rodents, immediately washing what is used and disposing of the waste correctly in garbage cans.
Exterior of homes:
- Before entering places that have remained closed, it is recommended to ventilate for 30 minutes, opening doors and windows. After this, spray with chlorine solution to prevent the formation of aerosols.
- Keep the entire perimeter of the home clear, clean and free of elements that serve as food or shelter for rodents.
- Weed and keep the grass short, within a perimeter of 30 meters around the house. 7 days prior to this action, it is recommended to remove rats from the perimeter of the home, to prevent migration of rodents into the home.
- As inside the home, garbage must be disposed of in properly closed jars. If there is no possibility of collection, it is recommended to bury it daily in places far from the home and covered by at least 30 cm. of land.
- Keep water supply sources protected. If it is not drinkable, always use it boiled.
- Maintain warehouses (grain, firewood, straw, tools, etc.), no less than 30 meters from the home and well ventilated.
In the field and at the campsite:
- Travel on authorized trails or roads. Do not go into places with abundant vegetation.
- Avoid collecting wild fruits or firewood.
- Camp in open places, where there is no evidence of rodents. Always go to authorized campsites.
- Apply rodent control measures within camps (forestry, agricultural, among others).
- Use tents with a floor and completely sealed. Clean the area where you want to camp.
- Store food in containers with lids.
date: 2026-02-10 21:09:00