Chilean Patagonia · Endemic zone
Hantavirus in Chile
Last updated: May 9, 2026
2026 Alert: Active epidemiological surveillance
As of May 2026, Chile has recorded 39 confirmed cases and 13 deaths, representing a 33% case fatality rate — above the historical average of 20–30%. The MINSAL maintains enhanced surveillance. One Chilean case is linked to the MV Hondius outbreak.
39
Confirmed cases
to May 2026
13
Deaths
2026
33%
Case fatality rate
vs. avg. 20–30%
Overview
Chile was one of the first countries to document Andes virus (1995) and has since developed one of the most robust hantavirus surveillance systems in Latin America. The southern regions (Los Lagos, Aysén, Magallanes) account for the majority of cases. Chile has also been a leader in ECMO therapy research for severe HPS cases.
Highest-risk regions
Los Lagos
Aysén
Magallanes
La Araucanía
Los Ríos
Biobío
Metropolitana
O'Higgins
Travel advice
- →Check current situation at MINSAL before traveling to southern Chile, especially Patagonia.
- →If staying in rural cabins or hiking in forested/brushy areas: follow all rodent-avoidance precautions.
- →Ventilate any enclosed space for 30 minutes before entering.
- →See a travel medicine doctor before your trip and report any symptoms within 8 weeks of returning.
MINSAL Chile: minsal.cl/hantavirus