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NEW YORK – At least 11 people died in Argentina after being infected with hantavirus, a disease transmitted by rats and other rodents, according to an alert from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Of the 29 cases of the disease confirmed by laboratory tests between late October 2018 and January 20, 2019, nearly 60% were women or girls, the WHO said.
About 50% of these confirmed cases – all located in Epuyen, Chubut Province, southern Argentina – have reported symptoms in the last three weeks.
"The possibility of a human-to-human transmission is currently under study," said WHO.
There is no treatment, treatment or vaccine against hantavirus infection and the case fatality rate can reach 35 to 50%.
WHO has advised health authorities in the region to be vigilant and redouble efforts to detect, investigate, manage and control cases of the disease. He added that special attention should be given to travelers returning from the affected areas.
Hantavirus is a viral respiratory disease usually contracted by contact with infected rat droppings or infected rodent saliva. It is characterized by headache, dizziness, fever, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain, followed by the sudden onset of severe respiratory symptoms.
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