Hantavirus circumstances practically double in metropolis the place doomed MV Hondius began journey
Hantavirus infections in Argentina have almost doubled since June 2025, as confirmed by the Argentine Health Ministry, amid the ongoing crisis aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship where three passengers have died and nearly 150 remain stranded off Cape Verde.
Nobody quite knows what to do with it(Image: AP)
Hantavirus cases in Argentina have nearly doubled since June 2025, according to confirmation from The Argentine Health Ministry. Dutch vessel MV Hondius, positioned off the Cape Verde coastline, is presently accommodating almost 150 stranded travellers.
The overwhelming majority of those on board have barricaded themselves in their quarters to escape the lethal Hantavirus, while fear continues to engulf the vessel. The disease has already taken the lives of three passengers and left a minimum of eight others critically unwell.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has verified that two individuals who had been aboard the cruise liner have returned to Britain and are self-isolating despite displaying no symptoms.
Argentina, from where the Antarctic voyage set sail, is repeatedly classified by the World Health Organization as having the highest occurrence of the uncommon, rodent-transmitted illness in Latin America.
“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,” stated Hugo Pizzi, a leading Argentine infectious disease expert. “There is no doubt that as time goes by, the hantavirus is spreading more and more.”, reports the Mirror.
The Argentine Health Ministry on Tuesday disclosed 101 hantavirus cases since June 2025, roughly double the number documented during the same timeframe the preceding year, as reported by AP news.
Argentina issued warnings early this year The ministry released a warning in January regarding several deadly outbreaks, including in the most densely populated province of Buenos Aires. With countryside hospitals lacking proper resources, locals had no idea what was affecting them.
Daisy Morinigo and David Delgado revealed they initially believed their 14 year old son was suffering from flu when he developed a temperature and body pains. Medical staff who first examined Rodrigo in the town of San Andrés de Giles discharged him with ibuprofen and instructions to rest.
However, the spirited fourth grader’s breathing deteriorated. On January 1, they raced Rodrigo to intensive care. He passed away just two hours after a Hantavirus test returned positive.
“I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone in the world,” Delgado said.
A spokesperson 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.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
