As of May 9, 2026, Chile has reported 41 confirmed hantavirus cases and 14 deaths, corresponding to a case fatality rate of 34 per 1,000 deaths (%) – compared to 18 per 1,000 deaths during the same period in 2025. Cases have been reported from the area between Valparaíso and Aysén, with the highest incidence rates recorded in the Aysén, Los Ríos, and Ñuble regions. Three further cases are currently under investigation.
Consequences for travelers
Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings (wear a mask and gloves when handling dead or sick animals and when cleaning contaminated surfaces). When camping or ecotourism, keep tents and cabins closed to prevent rodents from entering, and store your food in airtight containers to protect it from contamination.
German