Hantavirus is on the rise in Argentina, where a stricken cruise ship began its journey
Summary
Argentina is experiencing a surge in hantavirus cases amid climate change impacts, linked to a deadly outbreak aboard an Atlantic cruise ship that departed from Ushuaia. Authorities are investigating infection sources and monitoring contacts to prevent further spread.
Key Points
- Argentina reports a significant increase in hantavirus infections since June 2025, doubling the previous year's cases.
- The Andes virus strain, capable of human-to-human transmission, caused a deadly outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship departing from Ushuaia, Argentina.
- Experts link the rise in hantavirus cases to climate change effects that favor rodent population growth and virus spread.
- Argentine officials are investigating travel histories of infected cruise passengers to identify infection sources and prevent further transmission.
