Emergency Investigation into Hantavirus Exposure
Bird-watching tours in regions where hantavirus cases have historically been absent are under urgent scrutiny. Authorities in Argentina are looking into the possibility that a Dutch couple inadvertently introduced the virus to a cruise ship after visiting a landfill.
Two officials involved in the investigation shared with The Associated Press that a leading hypothesis points to this couple being exposed to rodents during a trip in Ushuaia, where they visited the landfill. They likely contracted the virus before boarding their cruise vessel.
Typically, hantaviruses spread through inhaling contaminated rodent droppings. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that while human-to-human transmission isn’t common, it can occur.
Until recently, officials indicated that no cases had been reported in Ushuaia or the greater Tierra del Fuego region.
Concerns on the MV Hondius
The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius is at the heart of the outbreak, with three passengers reported deceased and several others experiencing illness. Efforts are underway to trace contacts across Europe and Africa among those who disembarked.
Testing in countries like Switzerland, South Africa, and Senegal has confirmed the presence of the Andean strain of the virus. This variant is mainly found in Argentina and Chile and can be transmitted through close contact, albeit infrequently, according to the WHO.
A Swiss authority noted that a man returning from the cruise exhibited symptoms, sought medical attention, and was swiftly isolated. He tested positive for the Andes strain of the virus.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus mentioned that three individuals believed to be infected have been evacuated from the ship and are being taken to the Netherlands for care.
“Currently, the overall public health risk is considered low,” Tedros added.
