30/06/2026 10:53 - Salud
The Dr. Carlos Malbrán National Institute, Argentina's leading public health laboratory (equivalent to the CDC in the United States), confirmed on June 29, 2026 the first-ever detection of hantavirus in rodents in Tierra del Fuego Province.
This remote region, often called "the End of the World," is located at the southern tip of South America, shared between Argentina and Chile. The discovery came after a health surveillance mission conducted between May 18-22, 2026, during which scientists captured and analyzed 144 rodents in the area.
Of these specimens, 5 rodents of the genus Abrothrix tested positive for the virus, representing a 3.5% prevalence rate in the sample. The Abrothrix genus includes small mouse-like rodents native to Patagonia's forests and grasslands.
Hantavirus is a family of viruses transmitted primarily by rodents. Humans can contract the virus by inhaling airborne particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The infection can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease with a mortality rate that can reach 35-50%.
The Andes virus is the most well-known variant in South America. Interestingly, the primary carrier—the colilargo mouse (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus)—was not found during this Tierra del Fuego mission, making this discovery even more scientifically significant.
Health authorities emphasized that the variant detected in Tierra del Fuego is a new strain related to the Andes virus but does not match the one responsible for the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, a major international health alert that has affected travelers worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) may officially declare the MV Hondius outbreak closed on July 2, 2026, following international epidemiological surveillance protocols.
Tierra del Fuego is a popular tourist destination, home to Ushuaia, often called the southernmost city in the world, and the gateway to Antarctic expeditions. The discovery reinforces the importance of surveillance in this remote region.
While no human cases have been reported, authorities recommend standard precautions in areas with rodent presence:
Source: Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas "Dr. Julio I. Maiztegui" - ANLIS Malbrán | Ministerio de Salud de la Nación
Alfredo S. Quiroga
