Health
Hantavirus health alert declared in southern Chile
Authorities have declared a health alert in southern Chile due to a rat infestation carrying the hantavirus.
Government officials have declared a three‑month health alert in the Los Lagos and Aysén regions of southern Chile to combat a plague of rats carrying the deadly hantavirus. Although the virus does not affect rats, it can be transmitted to humans through rat droppings, potentially leading to severe respiratory illness, lung failure and death. Residents in the affected areas are being advised to avoid disturbing rodent nests or contaminated areas and to report unusual rodent activity to local health authorities.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Los Lagos and Aysén regions, southern Chile
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 21:50 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 21:50 UTC
- Source
- https://santiagotimes.cl
- Connected threats
-
- Not Available