Andes virus – the only hantavirus strain that can spread between people – identified as culprit on cruise ship – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius remain under strict precautions after laboratory tests confirmed the Andes strain of hantavirus as the cause of a deadly cluster of illnesses. Three people have died, and several others have fallen ill during the voyage that began in southern Argentina. The ship, carrying travelers from 23 countries, now heads toward Spain’s Canary Islands after weeks at sea.
How the Outbreak Unfolded
The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in Argentina in early April for an expedition cruise. Symptoms began appearing among passengers and crew in the following weeks. Health authorities in South Africa later identified the Andes virus in samples from two patients, linking it directly to the illnesses on board.
Investigators believe the initial infections likely occurred on land through contact with rodent droppings or urine during shore excursions. One theory points to a bird-watching stop near a landfill in Ushuaia. No prior hantavirus cases had been recorded in that exact area, which has complicated efforts to trace the precise source.
Why the Andes Strain Stands Apart
Most hantaviruses spread only through rodent exposure and do not pass directly between people. The Andes strain is different. It is the only known type capable of limited human-to-human transmission, usually through very close contact such as shared living spaces or caregiving.
This rare trait has prompted extra caution. Health officials have kept the remaining 146 people on the vessel under observation while the ship sails toward Tenerife. Contact tracing continues for those who disembarked earlier, including 23 passengers who left on the island of St. Helena and one former traveler now confirmed positive in Switzerland.
Current Status and Next Steps
The vessel is expected to reach the Canary Islands within days. Spain’s health ministry has arranged for the ship to dock in Tenerife, where asymptomatic passengers will be repatriated under monitoring. Argentina has shared diagnostic materials and treatment guidelines with laboratories in several countries.
Evacuations have already moved some patients to hospitals in the Netherlands and South Africa. One person remains in intensive care. Officials stress that the overall risk to the wider public stays low because the virus requires specific close-contact conditions to spread between humans.
What Travelers Should Know
Hantavirus infections typically begin with flu-like symptoms that can progress to severe respiratory distress. Early medical attention improves outcomes, though the Andes strain carries a notable mortality rate in documented cases.
- Avoid areas with signs of rodent activity during travel.
- Seek care promptly for unexplained fever or breathing difficulty after trips to South America.
- Follow local health guidance if exposed to a confirmed case.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the ship completes its journey.