Human-to-human hantavirus spread confirmed on cruise ship
In April 2026, an outbreak of severe respiratory infections, presenting as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), was detected aboard the cruise ship M/V Hondius, which had left Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1. Analyses conducted by the UNIGE/HUG Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, a WHO Collaborating Center, identified the virus as belonging to the Andes strain. In total, 13 passengers were…
In April 2026, a severe respiratory illness known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) emerged on board the cruise ship M/V Hondius, which had departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1. The UNIGE/HUG Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, a WHO Collaborating Center, determined the virus belonged to the Andes strain. Thirteen passengers were affected, with three fatalities reported.
The origin and mode of transmission remained unclear. Hantaviruses typically spread through inhalation of rodent-contaminated dust, but this particular strain can also be transmitted directly between people in close, prolonged contact. International researchers, led by Isabella Eckerle of the UNIGE/HUG Center, conducted an epidemiological and genetic investigation.
They discovered that the first patient developed symptoms on April 3, while the last on May 31, 60 days after departure. This extended incubation period, combined with close contact between patient 10 and patient 13, suggested initial rodent-to-human transmission followed by person-to-person spread. Sequencing the virus genome revealed high similarity across individuals, supporting this transmission pathway.
The virus's genetic structure matched natural Andes strains found in Argentine Patagonia, ruling out artificial origins or unusual mutations. The findings were published in the journal Science.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
