health
Is there Hantavirus in Colombia? The Ministry of Health Responds
Following up on an international event notified by the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health reported that no cases of Hantavirus have been identified in the country.
TL;DR
- Colombia has not identified any cases of Hantavirus.
- The WHO reported an international event with 8 cases, 3 confirmed, and 3 deaths.
- Evidence of past Hantavirus exposure in humans and wild reservoirs has been found in Colombia, but sustained transmission is not proven.
- The risk of Hantavirus cases in Colombia is considered low.
- The INS has enhanced its diagnostic and surveillance capacity for Hantavirus since 2016.
- Recommendations include general prevention measures against rodent exposure, such as food disinfection, proper hygiene, sealing entry points for rodents, and hand washing.