An unusual case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in an immunocompetent patient from southern Chile

Abstract

We report the first case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 in Chile. The patient was a 73-year-old man from Purranque, Chile. He presented with lumbar pain, urinary symptoms, vomiting, a compromised general condition, fever, and dyspnea over the previous 3 weeks. The diagnosis of hantavirus was confirmed by RT-PCR and serology (IgM detection), and SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by RT-PCR. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone, doxycycline and oseltamivir. During his admission to the ICU, he required oxygen but did not need vasoactive drugs, and showed no changes in any blood cell line. We identify only one previous case of this co-infección, reported in Argentina. This case highlights the importance of considering SARS-CoV-2 in the differential diagnosis of hantavirus, particularly in endemic areas.