Heads up for anyone traveling to South America — here's what WHO and CDC actually say about the Hantavirus outbreak
I know there's a lot of panic going around so I spent time reading through the actual WHO, CDC and PAHO documents. Here's what's relevant if you're traveling:
The risk is almost entirely rural. Old cabins, dusty storage rooms, camping near grain storage. Urban tourists in Buenos Aires, Santiago or Lima doing normal things face very low risk.
The way it spreads surprises most people. You don't have to touch a rodent. Infected droppings dry into invisible dust particles. You breathe them in. The most dangerous moment is walking into an old enclosed space and disturbing settled dust.
If you find rodent droppings in your accommodation — do not sweep them and do not vacuum them. Both actions throw virus particles into the air. Dampen with bleach solution first, then collect with gloves.
Symptoms look exactly like flu for the first 5 days. If you've been in a rural area of South America in the past 6 weeks and develop fever plus muscle aches plus any breathing difficulty — go to a hospital immediately and say the word Hantavirus out loud. Doctors outside South America won't think of it first.
There's no vaccine. But if someone deteriorates rapidly, ask specifically for an ECMO-capable hospital. Most people have never heard of ECMO but it can make a significant difference in severe cases.
Incubation is up to 6 weeks — not one week. Monitor yourself after you return home.
Happy to answer any questions.