Hantavirus on the rise in Argentina, where MV Hondius cruise ship set sail
Summary
Argentina is experiencing a rise in hantavirus cases, a disease spread by rodents, partly due to climate change. Passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which left from southern Argentina, tested positive for the virus, prompting international health efforts to track and control its spread.Key Facts
- Hantavirus is a rare disease spread mainly through exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.
- Argentina has the highest number of hantavirus cases in Latin America, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Climate change has made Argentina warmer and more tropical, helping rodents that carry hantavirus to live in more areas.
- Since June 2025, Argentina reported 101 hantavirus infections, double the number from the previous year.
- The virus strain found in South America, called Andes virus, can cause a deadly lung disease with nearly a 30% death rate recently.
- The Andes virus can sometimes spread from person to person, but this is rare.
- Passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship tested positive for hantavirus, with three deaths reported in April and May 2026.
- Argentina is sharing virus samples and tests with several countries to help detect and control the virus's spread.
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