Hantavirus infections in Argentina have almost doubled since June 2025, The Argentine Health Ministry confirmed. The Dutch ship MV Hondius, situated off the coast of Cape Verde, is currently carrying nearly 150 stranded passengers. The vast majority of those aboard have locked themselves in their cabins to avoid the deadly Hantavirus, as panic continues to grip the ship.
The virus has already claimed the lives of three passengers and left at least eight others seriously ill. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that two people who had been on board the cruise have returned to Britain and are self-isolating after not showing any symptoms.
Argentina, where the cruise to Antarctica departed, is consistently ranked by the World Health Organization as having the highest incidence of the rare, rodent-borne disease in Latin America.
Climate Change and Disease Spread
“Argentina has become more tropical because of climate change, and that has brought disruptions, like dengue and yellow fever, but also new tropical plants that produce seeds for mice to proliferate,” said Hugo Pizzi, a prominent Argentine infectious disease specialist. “There is no doubt that as time goes by, the hantavirus is spreading more and more.”
The Argentine Health Ministry on Tuesday reported 101 hantavirus infections since June 2025, roughly double the caseload recorded over the same period the previous year, according to AP news.
Early Alerts and Tragic Cases
The ministry issued an alert in January about several fatal outbreaks, including in the most populous province of Buenos Aires. With rural hospitals underequipped, residents had no clue what hit them.
Daisy Morinigo and David Delgado said they initially thought their 14-year-old son had the flu when he came down with a fever and body aches. Doctors who first saw Rodrigo in the town of San Andrés de Giles sent him home with ibuprofen and orders to rest. But the feisty fourth grader’s breathing worsened. On January 1, they rushed Rodrigo to intensive care. He died just two hours after a Hantavirus test came back positive. “I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone in the world,” Delgado said.
MV Hondius Update
A spokesperson for Oceanwide Expeditions said: "Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that the first of two medicalized aircraft, carrying two of the three individuals transferred from m/v Hondius earlier today has landed in the Netherlands. The two individuals on board have been received by specialist medical and screening teams. The second medicalized aircraft carrying the third individual is currently experiencing a delay. The individual on board this aircraft remains in a stable condition. We will provide an update on the arrival of this second aircraft as soon as possible.
"Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that m/v Hondius departed Cape Verde at 19:15 CET and is now heading north. Under the current plan, m/v Hondius will sail for the Canary Islands. This is expected to take 3-4 days. Three additional medical professionals have embarked m/v Hondius to provide optimal medical care during the crossing.
"Oceanwide Expeditions remains in close and continual discussion with relevant authorities regarding our exact point of arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all guests, and a precise timeline. We are unable to confirm the details of onward travel for guests at this stage. This is dependent on medical advice and the outcome of stringent screening procedures. Close cooperation continues with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
