Hantavirus outbreak renews painful memories for Patagonian village
Summary
A hantavirus outbreak in Argentina's Epuyen village recalls painful memories as the community faces renewed stigma and uses isolation measures developed during the 2018-2019 outbreak.
Key Points
- The 2018-2019 hantavirus outbreak in Epuyen resulted in 34 cases and 11 deaths among 2,400 residents.
- Human-to-human transmission of hantavirus was confirmed in Epuyen, prompting quarantine measures including 45-day isolation for contacts.
- Survivors and affected families faced stigma and discrimination in the community and nearby towns.
- Post-outbreak, Epuyen has also endured the Covid-19 pandemic and severe wildfires, impacting the collective resilience of the village.
