Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Buenos Aires Province.

In Argentina the first Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) cases were characterized in 1995. Since then, Argentina is the country with the highest number of notified cases in South America. The disease is distributed in Northern,Southern and Central regions of the country, being Buenos Aires the most affected province from the Central region. In this study, we present seasonal and geographical distribution of HPS cases in Buenos Aires province, the association with diverse viral lineages and the serological characteristics of hantavirus infection in the period from 1997 up to the first semester of the year 2000. An increase in the number of HPS cases was observed up to 1999 and a gradual mortality decrease in the whole period. The cases occurred between spring and autumn, with a maximum peak in summer. The serological response was studied in 58 HPS confirmed cases at different times after the onset of symptoms. The cases were distributed between 27 localities, in two different directions from the city of Buenos Aires: South-southwest and North-northeast. More than 52% of the cases occurred in La Plata and neighboring localities. The viral genomes from 39 cases were all characterised as Andes virus (AND): AND Cent Plata 16%; AND Cent 21% and AND Cent Bs.As. 60%. Andes virus lineages only cocirculated in La Plata city. These results will contribute to establish a risk map leading to the implementation of improved strategies of prevention.