Previous | Next 

Loma Plata, Paraguay
Mennonites in Paraguay ask Canadian university to aid in hantavirus research


Mennonites in the Paraguayan Chaco have asked Concordia University College of Alberta for assistance in dealing with a serious lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Concordia is one of four post-secondary institutions in Canada accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors to prepare environmental health specialists. In mid-2002, Concordia will send an environmental health specialist to Paraguay to conduct research that is expected to aid in prevention of HPS in South, Central and North America.

Hantavirus is a virus found in the droppings of deer mice and other rodents. People exposed to hantavirus are at a high risk of developing HPS. Early symptoms of the disease are similar to the flu and include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath. If untreated, respiratory failure, resulting in death, can occur within a few days of first signs of the disease.

Paraguay has experienced ongoing outbreaks of HPS among its indigenous people and the Mennonites living in Boqueron, a province located in the central part of the Chaco. Boqueron, where most of the hantavirus is found, supports a large cattle industry, is responsible for 60 per cent of the dairy production for the rest of the country and provides the country with training and education in agriculture and trades. Loma Plata, the largest city in Boqueron, provides services for over 9000 people. The capital city is Filadelfia.

The Chaco has had over 150 cases of HPS over the past five years. The mortality rate of patients with the disease can be as high as 40 per cent. During the first months of 2001, Loma Plata Hospital treated 48 cases of HPS – the highest number of cases ever recorded anywhere during such a brief time. In comparison, 37 cases of HPS have been documented in Canada over the past decade. Within the first two months of 2002, Loma Plata Hospital had already treated two cases of HPS.

Paraguay is home to over 28,000 Mennonites. The Loma Plata Colony was established in 1927 with approximately 1300 Mennonites coming from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

 – adapted from a report in The Canadian Lutheran

Previous | Next 

Last modified June 14, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.