In light of increases in Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) cases in some countries of the Region in 2012 and part of 2013, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) / World Health Organization (WHO) recommends Member States continue efforts of detection, investigation, reporting, and case management for the prevention and control of infections caused by hantavirus.

Between May and the second week of August 2004, 17 cases of Hantavirus Cardio-Pulmonary Syndrome were reported in people living in the Federal District (Brasília, Distrito Federal / DF).

Up to 5 September 2004, 85 new cases of Hantavirus were confirmed in Brazil as Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS).

The Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies has confirmed the first reported case for 2003 of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in Panama.

On 16 August 2004, the Ministry of Public Health of Uruguay reported the occurrence of three cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), all from the Department of Rocha in the area bordering on Brazil.

From 1995 to March 2004, a total of 206 patients in Paraguay were identified as being infected with hantavirus (with an IgG and IgM positive serology), of which 93 developed Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and 113, mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.