Background and objectives: Hantavirus is a pathogen that causes a viral disease with an
acute and severe presentation, and a high mortality rate. In face of a sudden loss, some
families may not conceive the complete absence of the deceased relative. Thus, we sought to
understand the changes that took place in a family after the death of the provider by
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Methods: A descriptive exploratory study with a
qualitative approach of the type case report. Data collection took place between October and
December 2016 through recorded individual interviews and using questions about family
dynamics after family provider’s death of HPS, which were assessed by content analysis in
the light of Roy's theory. Results: It was observed that the illness and death of the family
patriarch weakened the family's strengths and resources, leading to a period of mourning and
despair. In addition, unemployment among other family members worsened socioeconomic
conditions, seeing drugs as an alternative for support as it became a commercial activity, and
the rise of a command in the region that culminated in the arrest of the wife, two daughters
and a son of the deceased. Conclusions: In this case, it was evidenced that the family was
weakened due to the illness and death of their loved one by HPS, and because of the lack of
support and welcome from the reference social services, they chose to act in criminality and it
ended up with the arrest of four members
