Virus borne by rats kills nine people in Patagonia
NINE PEOPLE are reported to have died in Patagonia from a virus linked to rats. More than 20 people are believed to have been affected by the Hantavirus, which can be passed on to humans when they come into contact with rodents and their droppings or urine.
According to the Buenos Aires Times, the deaths are believed to have occurred in the Chubut province since December.
A Welsh settlement has existed in this part of Argentina since the 1800s.
People emigrated from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to bring life to the area, and many of them were Welsh.
Now the area has been affected by the virus, which is also known as Orthohantavirus.
The virus is normally carried by rodents such as rats, mice and voles. It can cause a mild flu-like illness or can affect the blood vessels and become a severe respiratory illness, causing possible heart failure and death.
Eight people are said to be in hospital with infections that could be related to Hantavirus.
According to the Buenos Aires Times, the provincial Health Ministry reported that three deaths took place on Wednesday.
Two of these were said to be a consequence of the deadly rat virus and that all three patients were taken to the Esquel Hospital.
The two confirmed cases were discovered in a 30-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy.
Another woman was involved in the other case but it’s claimed she had not spent time in intensive care before she died.
Huw Jones told WalesOnline: “A friend is currently in Patagonia and will not now visit the Welsh towns in the Andes region because of all the uncertainty relating to this horrible outbreak.
“She is heading for the Atlantic Coast to be away from this, but is still concerned that it may spread to Madryn and Trelew because it seems to be spread by human contact.
“Everyone is on holiday at present and many people are travelling in and out of the area.”
The Chubut government is said to have issued a health warning for the province on December 3.
This came after a large public event which took place in the Epuyen district.
People in the southern province are now being warned not to attend large public events during peak tourist season.
Overall 24 people have received treatment for Hantavirus in the province over the past few months.
Welsh tourists are being advised to take all the recommended precautions, especially if flu-like symptoms appear within one or two weeks of them visiting the area.
No major Welsh festivals are taking place in the Andes region of Welsh Patagonia in January or February.
Welsh Patagonia is slowly recovering after being left devastated by flooding and a mudslide last year.