Foreign Office Issues Warning as Hantavirus Outbreak Hits Argentine Holiday Destinations

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Argentina following the emergence of hantavirus cases in key tourist areas. Between January 1 and March 28, 2026, Argentine health authorities confirmed 32 cases of hantavirus infection, resulting in eight fatalities. The affected provinces include Buenos Aires, Salta, Chubut, Río Negro, Entre Ríos, and Jujuy.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS, hantaviruses are primarily carried by rodents. Human infections typically occur in environments where people and rodents share close proximity, such as rural farms, agricultural lands, sheds, barns, and holiday homes. The UK occasionally reports cases linked to pet rats carrying the Seoul hantavirus strain.

Symptoms of hantavirus infection can range from fever, extreme fatigue, and muscle aches to gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Respiratory complications, including severe breathing difficulties, may also develop and require hospitalization. Symptoms generally manifest 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, although some cases report an incubation period of up to 40 days.

While most hantaviruses do not transmit from person to person, rare cases involving the Andes virus strain—responsible for recent outbreaks on cruise ships—have shown limited human-to-human transmission through close contact. Typically, infection occurs by inhaling air contaminated with virus particles from rodent excreta or through direct contact with cuts or mucous membranes. In extremely rare instances, rodent bites can also transmit the virus.

The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely and advises travelers to take precautions in affected areas, especially when visiting rural or rodent-prone environments. This includes avoiding contact with rodents and their habitats, maintaining good hygiene, and ensuring accommodation is rodent-free to reduce the risk of infection.