Rodent Abundance and Hantavirus Infection in Protected Area, East-Central Argentina

Abstract

We captured 3 hantavirus rodent hosts in Otamendi Natural Reserve, Argentina, during 2007–2012. Hantavirus antibodies were found only in Akodon azarae grass mice, mainly in males and old animals. Higher abundance of this species was associated with warm and rainy weather and high water levels, which peaked after a strong El Niño event.

Keywords

• hantavirus
• viruses
• infection
• climate
• weather
• disease transmission