Argentina Widens Hantavirus Probe, Tests Rats in Mendoza

Argentina is expanding its investigation into a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. Scientists are trapping and testing rodents in Mendoza province while awaiting lab results from Ushuaia. The rare Andes hantavirus, carried by rodents, can sometimes spread between people. A Dutch couple who died in April were among the first victims, but authorities may never determine exactly where they contracted the virus.

Epidemiologists are studying 11 confirmed cases, including three deaths, to understand transmission patterns. Argentine scientists believe the Dutch man was exposed to rodent droppings during months of travel across Argentina and Chile before boarding. The virus has an incubation period of three to eight weeks.

Ushuaia's local authorities dispute claims the virus originated there, noting no cases have been detected in Tierra del Fuego. The Health Ministry awaits test results from earlier rodent samples collected in Ushuaia. Meanwhile, specialists from Argentina's Malbran Institute and the US CDC will test rodents in Malargüe, Mendoza from June 8-12.

The Dutch couple visited Malargüe during their trip through Argentina's wine region. Teams in protective gear will collect blood samples from dead rodents for laboratory analysis in Buenos Aires, with results expected within a month. The World Health Organization has stated the hantavirus poses low pandemic risk, though its 30% mortality rate and lack of treatment remain concerning.