Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to MV Hondius Reaches 12 Cases and Three Deaths

Overview

• The World Health Organization says the cluster tied to the expedition ship MV Hondius now totals 12 suspected and confirmed cases, including three deaths.
• Dutch public-health officials reported that a crew member repatriated to the Netherlands tested positive, was hospitalized as a precaution, and the result was confirmed by two independent laboratories.
• A scientific mission in Ushuaia captured over 100 rodents for testing but has not yet found the primary reservoir species known as the colilargo; those samples were sent to Buenos Aires and definitive results are expected in about three weeks.
• All passengers and crew removed from the ship have been quarantined and WHO officials are following more than 600 contacts in roughly 30 countries as part of active surveillance.
• The Andes hantavirus is endemic to southern Patagonia and can rarely transmit between people through close, prolonged contact; health officials warn more cases could appear during the virus's long incubation period and urge careful monitoring and testing.