Argentina Expands Hantavirus Search to Second Province
- Argentina is expanding its investigation into the origins of a deadly hantavirus outbreak by searching for virus-carrying rodents in the western Mendoza province.
- The investigation centers on the MV Hondius, which was sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, toward Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred.
- Health officials focused their attention on Argentina because the Andes hantavirus strain is endemic in several regions of the country.
Argentina is expanding its investigation into the origins of a deadly hantavirus outbreak by searching for virus-carrying rodents in the western Mendoza province. The health ministry announced the expansion on June 6, 2026, as part of a broader effort to identify the source of an infection that occurred aboard a cruise ship in April 2026.
The investigation centers on the MV Hondius, which was sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, toward Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred. The journey was disrupted after three passengers died from the respiratory disease.
Health officials focused their attention on Argentina because the Andes hantavirus strain is endemic in several regions of the country. This specific strain is known to cause severe respiratory illness in humans, typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents.
Investigation and Field Research
The search for the virus’s origin began in May 2026, when scientists from the Malbran Institute, Argentina’s primary center for infectious diseases, traveled to Ushuaia. The team sought to determine if local rodent populations in the area were carrying the rare disease.
According to the health ministry, results from more than 100 rodents captured in Tierra del Fuego during the May 2026 mission are still undergoing analysis.
The next phase of the investigation will take place from June 8 to June 12, 2026. Scientists from the Malbran Institute are scheduled to travel to Mendoza to conduct further field research. This mission will be carried out in collaboration with experts from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Public Health Context
Hantavirus is endemic across several Argentine provinces, though the health ministry noted that it is not typically endemic in Mendoza. The decision to expand the search to this province indicates a comprehensive effort to map potential exposure points for the passengers of the MV Hondius.
The Andes strain of the virus is particularly concerning to public health officials due to its potential for severe respiratory distress. By partnering with international experts from the CDC, Argentine authorities aim to pinpoint the exact environmental source of the outbreak to prevent future occurrences.