Epidemic hazard

Recent media from Salta Province, Argentina, have reported a fatal Hantavirus infection involving a security officer in Oran Department occurred on April 3, 2026. This incident has raised significant media attention, particularly because, if confirmed, it would mark the second death of a security official from the virus within just a few weeks. Media also reported that, in response to the rising health risk, the Argentine National Gendarmerie has requested the authorities to ensure timely access to medical services for personnel operating in the area. An RFI was sent to EpiCore members to support the collection of further details about this newly reported death and, more in general, about the ongoing situation in the area to be able to better assess the current risk in relation to hanta infections for the security personnel operating there and, more in general, for the local population. The EpiCore network has provided additional information about hanta virus infections in Salta province extracted from reports published by local and national health authorities. Based on this feedback, in NOA region (Nord West Argentina, including Salta province) the number of human cases in the current endemic season (July 2025-June 2026) remained for a long time within the endemic band. However, starting from EW 02/2026, a relevant increase in cases has been recorded compared to previous years, causing a regional epidemiological regional alert. NOA has been characterized so far during this season by the highest regional incidence rate (0.53 confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Salta, specifically, presents the current highest provincial incidence rate in Argentina. Several media have been reporting that most of these cases occurred among security officers however local health officers have recently informed that these were only “a few”. The network has informed that Salta authorities have recently (EpiWeek 16/2026) provided more updated information about the ongoing local situation, confirming 14 cases of hantavirus in the province so far this year, mostly among males. Majority of cases are concentrated, as reported by media, in the Orán department, which accounts for 11 infections. Of the four deaths reported to date, three involved personnel working in high-risk areas, specifically two border workers and one member of the National Gendarmerie, while the circumstances of the fourth fatality are still being investigated. In response to the rising case count, the Epidemiology Department has just conducted an intensive training session at the Orán Regional Faculty of the National University of Salta. The initiative brought together representatives from security forces, local hospitals, border health offices, and customs agencies to strengthen the regional response. The session provided critical guidance on identifying warning signs and managing suspected cases, while also detailing transmission methods and essential preventive measures for both professional and domestic environments. The RFI has been supported by relevant details from reliable sources about the latest cases and, more in general, the current situation in the affected area in terms of hanta virus infections. This RFI may be updated in case of additional contributions received by the network that may change the current risk assessment. OFFICIAL SOURCES - https://www.salta.gob.ar/prensa/noticias/salud-realizo-una-capacitacion-sobre-prevencion-del-hantavirus-en-el-norte-provincial-107393 - http://saladesituacion.salta.gov.ar/web/inicio/boletines/documentos/boletin_1642026.pdf (Salta authorities, EW 14/2026) - https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/ben_803_se_13_vf.pdf (MoH, EW 13/2026) - https://www.argentina.gob.ar/sites/default/files/2026/01/ben_805_se_15_2842026.pdf (MoH. EW 15/2026) OTHER SOURCES QUOTING AUTHORITIES - https://www.facebook.com/reel/2104605153727191 - https://www.facebook.com/reel/1698518977815794/ - https://www.facebook.com/reel/1671259523890725/ - https://www.facebook.com/ElUtutoInforma/posts/pfbid02Cm16waqGuvoQ3xGLT5zBrYwVTbKeANUfsf3nPWVqDiEXe5o1vwxTQFsHvTqop5QNl