In April 2026, a passenger aboard a Dutch cruise ship docked in Ushuaia, Argentina after participating in a bird-watching trip. Ten days later, he succumbed to Andes hantavirus (ANDV), which had been contracted prior to his voyage. His wife, also infected with the same virus, passed away shortly thereafter. Initial diagnoses were unclear, but thorough investigations revealed that ANDV was responsible for both deaths.
Andes hantavirus is a rare and deadly disease transmitted through contact with contaminated rodent excretions, such as urine, droppings, or saliva. Rodents like the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) are known carriers of ANDV in South America. The virus can enter humans via inhalation when these rodents' droppings and urine become airborne due to disturbance by activities like shipboard cleaning.
Experts suggest that the spread on the cruise ship may have occurred through contaminated surfaces or dust particles stirred up during routine maintenance tasks. Once contracted, ANDV primarily affects the lungs, leading to severe respiratory distress and multi-organ failure in its victims. The virus is not transmitted directly from person to person; however, it underscores the importance of maintaining cleanliness around rodent habitats on board ships.
As a result of these tragic incidents, health authorities have issued warnings for cruise ship passengers to be vigilant about hygiene practices, especially during cleaning activities and when handling potentially contaminated materials. Future cruises in areas where ANDV is prevalent may also include enhanced sanitation protocols to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
