Situation summary
In 2026, public-health authorities in Argentina reported a cluster of confirmed hantavirus cases linked to the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius following its voyages along the Patagonian coast. The strain involved is Andes virus, the only hantavirus with documented person-to-person spread. Health authorities are monitoring passengers and crew, conducting contact tracing, and applying isolation protocols.
Event timeline
Case counts by country (illustrative, May 2026)
| Country | Confirmed | Suspected | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 42 | 18 | 9 |
| Chile | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| Other (travelers) | 5 | 12 | 0 |
Numbers are illustrative placeholders. Always cross-check with official Argentina Ministry of Health and PAHO bulletins for current figures.
The MV Hondius incident
The MV Hondius is a small expedition cruise vessel operating itineraries along Patagonia and Antarctica. The 2026 cluster involved both passengers and crew. Investigators are examining whether the index case resulted from rodent exposure at a remote shore stop or from shipboard rodent activity. Because Andes virus is capable of person-to-person spread, the cluster triggered a vigorous public-health response including isolation of symptomatic individuals and contact tracing across multiple countries.
Government responses
- Argentina: Ministry of Health activated its hantavirus response protocol. Regional hospitals in Patagonia placed on alert.
- Chile: Enhanced surveillance in southern regions, particularly Aysen and Los Lagos.
- PAHO/WHO: Issued Disease Outbreak News; coordinating cross-border contact tracing.
- European health agencies: Monitoring returning travelers; public advisories issued by ECDC.
If you were on the MV Hondius
- Monitor for fever, severe muscle aches, headache, or shortness of breath for up to 6 weeks after disembarking.
- Contact your doctor or local health authority immediately if symptoms appear, and mention your travel history.
- Follow any direct guidance from Argentina's Ministry of Health, PAHO/WHO, or your home-country health authority.
- See our symptoms and diagnosis & treatment pages for more detail.
Why Andes virus outbreaks need extra caution
Unlike other hantaviruses, Andes virus has documented person-to-person transmission, usually in close household or healthcare contexts. Cruise ships create similar close, prolonged shared environments, which is why even a small cluster triggers a vigorous public-health response. Read more on our transmission page.
Sources we follow for updates
- Argentina Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud).
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
- World Health Organization (WHO) Disease Outbreak News.
- Verified reporting from major international news agencies.