Argentina is investigating whether it is the source of a deadly hantavirus outbreak on an Atlantic cruise ship, which has claimed three lives. Authorities are working to trace the origins of the virus and monitor passengers who have disembarked in various countries, including the United States.
Key Takeaways
Argentina is investigating whether it is the source of a deadly hantavirus outbreak on an Atlantic cruise ship that has claimed three lives. Authorities are tracing contacts and monitoring passengers who have disembarked in various countries, including the United States.
- Three people have died from the Andes virus strain of hantavirus onboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
- Argentina reported 101 hantavirus infections since June 2025, double the previous year's caseload.
- The outbreak is linked to climate change, which has expanded the range of rodents carrying the virus.
- Passengers who disembarked in Saint Helena and other locations are being monitored for symptoms.
- The WHO states that human-to-human transmission is rare but possible among close contacts.
The MV Hondius cruise ship departed from Argentina for Antarctica and is now anchored off Cape Verde after being given permission to continue its journey to the Canary Islands. Three people onboard the ship have died from the Andes virus strain of hantavirus, which can cause a severe lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Argentina's health ministry reported 101 hantavirus infections since June 2025, roughly double the caseload recorded over the same period last year. The outbreak has been linked to climate change, as higher temperatures and changing ecosystems have allowed rodents that carry the virus to thrive in more places.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with the ship's operators to monitor the health of passengers and crew and support appropriate medical follow-up. While human-to-human transmission is rare, it has been observed in some previous outbreaks with the Andes strain. Passengers who disembarked in Saint Helena and other locations are being monitored for symptoms.
The evacuation of three passengers from the ship means it can now continue on its journey to the Canary Islands. However, a row has erupted over the ship docking in Tenerife, as local authorities express concern about potential spread of the virus.
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