Argentina expands hantavirus investigation to Mendoza province

Argentina’s Health Ministry announced on Friday that its probe into the Andes hantavirus outbreak that sickened passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius will be extended to the western province of Mendoza. From 8 to 12 June, Argentine scientists from the ANLIS‑Malbrán Institute will trap and test rodents in the city of Malargüe, supported by biologists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, which began when the ship sailed from Ushuaia toward Cape Verde, has been linked to 13 confirmed or probable cases worldwide, including three deaths – a Dutch couple and a third passenger – and 11 additional infections among travelers from more than 20 countries. Earlier rodent sampling in Tierra del Fuego has not yet yielded a source, and laboratory results are still pending. While the World Health Organization stresses that the risk of a pandemic is low, the Andes hantavirus carries a mortality rate of up to 30 % and has no specific vaccine or treatment. The expanded field work aims to clarify the chain of transmission and provide lessons for managing future zoonotic events.

The investigation also addresses local concerns, as the University of Mendoza notes that the virus has not been confirmed in the province but that potential reservoir rodents may be present. Findings are expected in the coming weeks.