SANTIAGO, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Chile on Tuesday declared its first nationwide health alert for hantavirus to strengthen surveillance after the disease's fatality rate rose this year, the Chilean Ministry of Health said in a release.

Official data showed 46 cases of infection and 18 deaths so far this year as of last week, representing a fatality rate of 39 percent, up from 18 percent in 2025.

The measure applies from the northern region of Atacama to the southern region of Magallanes and will remain in effect until July 31, 2027.

"Hantavirus causes a disease that is endemic to Chile and is transmitted by the long-tailed mouse, which lives in rural and semirural areas throughout most of the country," according to the release.

The ministry said it continuously monitors the animal and the disease it carries. It added that the alert will allow them to strengthen surveillance, ensure the timely management of resources, hire specialized personnel, carry out health control measures and expedite the purchase of supplies.

Health authorities urged the public to take extra precautions, including avoiding contact with rodents, ventilating homes before entering if they have been closed, cleaning unused spaces with water and chlorine, keeping garbage covered and storing food safely.

Since December 2025, the Pan American Health Organization has maintained an epidemiological alert over rising hantavirus cases across the Southern Cone. ■