Chile's Ministry of Health issued a communiqué on the 28th saying that due to the increase in the death rate of Hantavirus infection in Chile since this year, the government decided to issue a public health alert against the virus. The alert covers 13 of Chile's 16 regions and will last until July 31, 2027. According to the communiqué, the Hantavirus is endemic in Chile, usually spread by rodents, and the Ministry of Health has been monitoring its dynamics. As of last week, Chile has recorded a total of 46 cases of Hantavirus infection this year, including 18 deaths, and the fatality rate of infection is as high as 39%; compared to 18% in 2025. The communiqué said that this warning is a precautionary measure. In the event of an emergency with a serious health risk, the relevant departments can be given special powers to strengthen monitoring, allocate resources in a timely manner, hire professionals, carry out health prevention and control actions, and quickly obtain supplies through direct procurement. At the same time, the communiqué emphasized that the alert did not mean an outbreak or that the healthcare system was overburdened. Experts from the Chilean Ministry of Health urge the public to be vigilant, including avoiding contact with rodents, ventilating the house, and storing food properly. If symptoms such as fever, severe muscle pain, and difficulty breathing occur, and have been to rodent infested areas, they should immediately go to a medical institution and take the initiative to report the relevant situation.

Chile's Ministry of Health issued a communiqué on the 28th saying that due to the increase in the death rate of Hantavirus infection in Chile since this year, the government decided to issue a public health alert against the virus. The alert covers 13 of Chile's 16 regions and will last until July 31, 2027. According to the communiqué, the Hantavirus is endemic in Chile, usually spread by rodents, and the Ministry of Health has been monitoring its dynamics. As of last week, Chile has recorded a total of 46 cases of Hantavirus infection this year, including 18 deaths, and the fatality rate of infection is as high as 39%; compared to 18% in 2025. The communiqué said that this warning is a precautionary measure. In the event of an emergency with a serious health risk, the relevant departments can be given special powers to strengthen monitoring, allocate resources in a timely manner, hire professionals, carry out health prevention and control actions, and quickly obtain supplies through direct procurement. At the same time, the communiqué emphasized that the alert did not mean an outbreak or that the healthcare system was overburdened. Experts from the Chilean Ministry of Health urge the public to be vigilant, including avoiding contact with rodents, ventilating the house, and storing food properly. If symptoms such as fever, severe muscle pain, and difficulty breathing occur, and have been to rodent infested areas, they should immediately go to a medical institution and take the initiative to report the relevant situation.