Probable Santa Fe case Argentine hemorrhagic fever in a patient - From the Ministry of Health of the province they informed that the diagnosis was received while abroad. Intensive care, with a reserved prognosis It is originally from Rosario, one of the endemic areas for this disease

The Ministry of Health of Santa Fe, through the Directorate of Epidemiology, reports that a probable case of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (FHA) was diagnosed abroad, in a patient from the Rosario department, with contagion in the field of the Province of Santa Fe (endemic zone for said disease).

From the health portfolio, they reported that the patient is currently in intensive care, with a reserved prognosis. The provincial Ministry is working jointly with national authorities and international organizations.

Probable Santa Fe case Argentine hemorrhagic fever

Argentine hemorrhagic fever, also known as “stubble sickness”, is an endemic infectious disease in the northwest of the province of Buenos Aires, south of Córdoba, south of Santa Fe and north of La Pampa.

It is produced by the Junín virus, which has its reservoir in wild rodents of the Calomys musculinus species (known as spotted laucha, corn laucha, maicerous mouse). Transmission to humans occurs mainly through the inhalation of small aerosolized particles from secretions of infected rodents or through direct contact with rodents.

It is mainly contracted by people who work, live or visit the field or were in contact with sites invaded by rodents from the field, which continuously eliminate the virus through their saliva and urine, contaminating the environment in which they live.

Symptoms and treatment

Hemorrhagic fever begins with a picture of fever, decay and headache. Then there may be muscle aches, joints, behind the eyes, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Before the appearance of any of these symptoms it is important to consult the doctor since there is a treatment that, if administered on time, increases the chances of curing the disease.

The treatment consists of the administration of specific immune plasma. It is extremely effective and reduces mortality to 1% if administered within eight days of the onset of the disease. That is why it is very important not to delay the consultation.

How to prevent?

While rodent control or control of human contact with rodents is difficult, it is recommended to prevent the disease:

• Maintain careful hygiene, mainly of the hands and change of clothes, every time rodent areas have been frequented.

• Do not put stems, leaves or grains in the mouth.

• Do not lie on bags or on the floor.

• Eat and sleep in clean rooms.

• Wear closed shoes.

• Keep weeding around the house to prevent the lauchas from approaching it; have weed-free places for children's games.

• Do not destroy rodent predator fauna, such as owls, lettuces, chimangos and cats.

Vaccination

There is a vaccine, Candid # 1, which prevents Argentine hemorrhagic fever, is applied after 15 years in a dose, in endemic areas of the disease (Santa Fe, Córdoba, Buenos Aires and La Pampa).

It is the only one available worldwide and is 95% effective. It must be done at least one month before risk activities are carried out to ensure protection. Vaccination is the main way to prevent Argentine hemorrhagic fever, it is highly effective and is in the official calendar since 2007, and available in the public effectors of the Ministry of Health of the Province. The implementation of the vaccine managed to significantly reduce the cases of FHA in the affected populations.

The vaccine should be given to people over 15 years of age who reside or develop activities in areas of the endemic area. Conditions: not having previously received Candid # 1. In the case of women, they should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not present acute or chronic decompensated pictures. Not be receiving systemic corticosteroids or have congenital or acquired immunosuppression symptoms. Not having received other vaccines and / or gammaglobulins, whatever, in the previous month, nor receiving them in the month after receiving the Argentine hemorrhagic fever vaccine.