Passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship contracted the rare Andes strain of hantavirus during a voyage from Argentina toward Antarctica in May 2024 [1].

This outbreak is significant because the Andes strain is one of the few hantaviruses capable of spreading directly between humans through close contact [2]. While most hantavirus infections occur via rodent droppings, this person-to-person transmission increases the risk of rapid spread in confined environments like cruise ships [3].

Health authorities in Argentina and the World Health Organization confirmed the cases [2]. Reports on the total number of infections vary between eight [1] and nine [4]. Among those infected, three people died [1]. Three passengers were transferred to hospitals for medical treatment [4].

The ship carried passengers from 23 different nationalities [1]. Among those on board were two Indian nationals [1]. Medical teams and health authorities monitored the passengers to contain the virus [2].

Experts said that the virus is not currently circulating in India [3]. Consequently, Indian travelers are only considered at risk if they were exposed to the virus while on the ship [3].

The symptoms of the Andes strain can be severe and rapid [1]. Because the virus can move from person to person, health officials focused on identifying all close contacts of the infected individuals to prevent further casualties [2].

“The Andes strain is one of the few hantaviruses capable of spreading directly between humans.”

The MV Hondius incident highlights the danger of rare zoonotic viruses evolving or behaving in ways that allow human-to-human transmission. While hantavirus is typically a localized threat tied to specific rodent populations, the ability of the Andes strain to spread between passengers transforms a wildlife-borne illness into a potential public health emergency in high-density travel hubs.