The man was referred to the Presidente Juan Domingo Perón hospital from a private clinic.
Epidemiological alarms began to go off in the province of Saltawhen a new death was confirmed by hantavirus. Thus, the number of deceased people exceeded the 2023 mark.
The last death recorded due to the disease in the province is that of a 66-year-old man, resident of Tartagal. At first, he received medical attention in a private clinic, but was later transferred to the President Juan Domingo Perón Hospitalwhere he finally died.
According to the information that the local media was able to access The Tribunehe Ministry of Public Health confirmed Friday that the man died due to a hantavirus infection.
In this way, the province now accumulates four deaths. In the case of Tartagal, we add the deaths reported in the departments of Anta, I was coming and in Oran. Consequently, the number of deaths from this disease exceeds the number reached the previous year, when 3 deaths were reported.
In total, so far this year, 15 hantavirus infections were reportedin the departments of Anta, Salta Capital, San Martín, La Viña and Orán.
Hantavirus disease is an emerging zoonosis caused by viruses of RNA from the Bunyaviridae family. These viruses are transmitted to humans by wild rodents, which act as natural reservoirs of infection. Infected rodents, although they do not present symptoms, maintain a persistent viremia and eliminate the virus through urine, saliva and feces.
The disease is transmitted by rodents
The disease is primarily transmitted to humans by inhalation of aerosols containing viral particles from infected rodents. They can also be infected through contact of secretions or excrements of these animals with the conjunctival, nasal or oral mucous membranes, or through a bite from the carrying rodent.
The risk of contagion increases when entering the rodent habitat in suburban and rural areas, especially in peri-domiciliary areas and during recreational or work activities. There are also cases of transmission between people. For this reason, secretions and other human fluids must be handled with caution, as they are considered potentially dangerous.
The initial symptoms resemble those of the flu: fever of 38 °C, muscle pain, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, without affecting the upper respiratory tract. However, this initial condition is followed by a sudden onset of respiratory distress and hypotension.
Regarding diagnosis and treatment, although there is no cure, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) highlights that early identification and timely medical attention can improve clinical prognosis. In the initial stages, the use of antipyretics and pain relievers is recommended when necessary. In certain cases, broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered while the etiologic agent is confirmed.
PAHO adds that, due to the rapid progression of Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS)the therapeutic approach should focus on hemodynamic monitoring, adequate fluid management, and ventilatory support. Severe cases require immediate transfer to intensive care units (ICU).
He Ministry of Health of the Nation recommends several measures to prevent the spread of hantavirus:
- Avoid living with rodents and contact with their secretions.
- Prevent rodents from entering homes and prevent them from building nests inside them.
- Seal holes in doors, walls and pipes.
- Clean floors, walls, doors, tables, drawers and cupboards using a solution of one part sodium hypochlorite and nine parts water; Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse. Dampen the floor before sweeping to prevent dust from dispersing.
- Keep gardens and firewood elevated 30 cm from the ground and more than 30 meters from homes. Additionally, cut grass and weeds within a 30 meter radius around the home.
