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Hantavirus outbreak on Antarctic cruise ship linked to Andes strain
An Andes hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius emerged during a cruise from Argentina toward Antarctica. Three passengers died and several infections were confirmed, prompting isolation, tracing, and an international investigation led by the WHO.
Why It Matters
The event underscores concerns about potential human-to-human transmission of Andes hantavirus and demonstrates cross-border public health responses in a cruise setting.
Timeline
10 Events
Argentine authorities begin tracing movements of infected passengers
May 7, 2026
Argentine officials stated they are tracing the movements of infected passengers through Patagonia and Ushuaia as part of investigations.
Swiss authorities confirm St. Helena disembarked passenger tested positive
May 7, 2026
Swiss authorities confirmed that a passenger who had disembarked in St. Helena tested positive for hantavirus.
Dutch woman tests positive for hantavirus
May 4, 2026
The Dutch woman who had died previously also tested positive for hantavirus.
Aboard isolation and contact tracing begin
May 3, 2026
Passengers were confined to cabins as authorities implemented isolation measures and began contact tracing and monitoring akin to pandemic protocols.
WHO opens investigation into suspected hantavirus outbreak linked to the vessel
May 3, 2026
The World Health Organization announced it was investigating a suspected hantavirus outbreak connected to the ship.
British passenger tests positive for hantavirus
May 2, 2026
Authorities confirmed a positive hantavirus result in a British passenger (hospitalised in Johannesburg), indicating Andes virus infection.
Death of a German woman
May 2, 2026
A German woman aboard the ship died, bringing the death toll to three.
Death of the Dutch man's wife
April 26, 2026
The 69-year-old wife of the initial patient died on board the vessel.
First death on board
April 11, 2026
A 70-year-old Dutch man died aboard the ship, the first reported fatality in the outbreak.
MV Hondius departs Argentina for Antarctica
April 1, 2026
The cruise liner MV Hondius left Argentina sailing toward Antarctica as part of its voyage.