Argentina’s Scientists Investigate Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

Argentina is intensifying its investigation into a rare hantavirus outbreak that affected passengers on a cruise ship, with scientists working to trace the origin of the virus and understand its transmission. The outbreak, linked to the Andes hantavirus, has prompted authorities to deploy teams to trap and test rodents in the western province of Mendoza, as part of an effort to identify the source of the infection.

The Outbreak and Its Impact

The hantavirus outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, a cruise ship that departed from Ushuaia, Argentina. The virus, which is carried by rodents endemic to the region, is known to spread through contact with infected particles, and in rare cases, between humans. At least three individuals, including a Dutch couple, died from the infection, while 11 confirmed cases were reported among passengers from over 20 countries.

Authorities have been working to reconstruct the chain of transmission, though pinpointing the exact origin of the first infections remains challenging. The Dutch couple, who were among the earliest victims, reportedly contracted the virus before boarding the ship, but the specific location or source of their infection has not been identified.

Scientific Efforts to Trace the Virus

Scientists from Argentina’s leading center for infectious diseases, the Malbran Institute, are at the forefront of the investigation. The team is collaborating with biologists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who are set to join the mission in Mendoza next week. The focus of the research includes trapping and testing local rodent populations to determine if they are carriers of the Andes hantavirus and to map potential transmission routes.

Dr. María López, a virologist at the Malbran Institute, explained that understanding the virus’s behavior in the region is critical for