90-Second Read: PAHO and partners strengthen surveillance of Hantavirus and other hemorrhagic fevers in the Americas

They also examined the status of Hantavirus and other hemorrhagic fevers at the regional and global levels, with emphasis on the need for integrated and coordinated surveillance systems across countries. The activity was part of PAHO's efforts to strengthen regional preparedness for Hantavirus, particularly following the increase in cases reported in 2025 and an international transmission event associated with a cruise ship that departed from Argentina in April 2026. In 2025, eight countries in the Region reported 229 confirmed cases and 59 deaths from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, primarily in the Southern Cone. The initiative brought together 55 specialists from 12 countries from June 1 to 4 in Santiago del Este, with the aim of strengthening countries' ability to timely detect, investigate, and respond to these viruses, which continue to pose a public health challenge.

In December 2025, PAHO issued an epidemiological alert following an increase in cases in endemic countries, calling for strengthened surveillance, timely diagnosis, and intersectoral response. A key focus of the workshop was strengthening laboratory capacity, including updates on molecular and serological testing and the use of genomic sequencing to improve surveillance and outbreak analysis. In 2026, through mid-April, six countries have reported 94 cases and 13 deaths, underscoring the continued circulation of the disease in the Region. Participants also carried out hands-on exercises guided by experts from collaborating centers.

In the Region, they can cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially severe disease, most commonly acquired through inhalation of airborne particles contaminated with excreta from infected rodents. Over four days, experts in epidemiology, laboratory science, and zoonotic diseases updated technical knowledge, exchanged experiences, and reviewed progress and gaps in regional surveillance. The exercise integrated case finding, risk factor identification, contact tracing, and the analysis of human and animal samples, bringing together epidemiological, laboratory, and ecological surveillance within an integrated approach. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Hantavirus.

Intersectoral approach and regional preparedness The workshop brought together national teams from epidemiological surveillance, laboratory services, and zoonotic disease programs, including specialists in habitat characterization, animal trapping, and rodent control. These figures highlight the importance of maintaining strong, coordinated surveillance systems capable of rapidly detecting and responding to potential exposures in different contexts, including those related to travel and tourism.