Chile’s government has declared a nationwide health alert due to the spread of hantavirus, a disease with a high fatality rate, as emergency measures will remain in effect until July 31, 2027.
The Chilean Ministry of Health announced the decision following a concerning increase in cases and deaths this year. According to official data, 46 hantavirus cases had been confirmed by last week, while 18 people have died from the infection. The fatality rate has risen from 18% to 39% in just one year.
Cases have been reported in the regions of Valparaíso, Metropolitan, O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, Araucanía, Los Ríos, Los Lagos, and Aysén.
Hantavirus is mainly transmitted through inhalation of airborne particles contaminated by the dried urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. In rarer cases, infection can occur through bites or scratches from rodents. The virus primarily affects the lungs and can cause severe, often fatal, complications.
According to Spanish media outlet Infobae, this is the first time in Chile’s history that the Ministry of Health has declared a health alert across 13 of the country’s 16 regions. The measure covers an area stretching from Atacama to Magallanes.
Chile’s Deputy Minister of Public Health, Alejandra Pizarro, said hantavirus is an endemic disease in the country and is transmitted by a type of rodent commonly found in rural and semi-rural areas.
“We are continuously monitoring the spread of the virus and are particularly concerned because the fatality rate has increased significantly this year. For this reason, we have decided to declare a health alert,” she said.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid contact with rodents, properly ventilate homes that have been closed for long periods, clean unused spaces with water and bleach, and safely store food and waste to prevent the spread of the virus.
Hantavirus also drew international attention in May when at least 11 infections were confirmed aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with three deaths reported. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed that the outbreak was unlikely to develop into a widespread epidemic.
The health alert declared by Chilean authorities aims to strengthen preventive measures and increase public awareness about a virus that remains one of the country’s most dangerous zoonotic diseases.
