Investigation follows death of Dutch couple from hantavirus on cruise ship

A Dutch couple died after contracting hantavirus while traveling on the cruise ship MV Hondius. The victims had spent several months traveling through Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay prior to boarding the vessel, which departed from Tierra del Fuego on April 1. Health authorities in Argentina are currently tracing the contacts of the passengers who first displayed symptoms on board. Official statements indicate that it has not been confirmed that the infection occurred in Argentina. The Ministry of Health noted that the Argentine part of Tierra del Fuego has reported zero hantavirus cases since mandatory reporting began in 1996. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the global public health risk remains low. The WHO continues to monitor the health status of passengers and crew in collaboration with the ship's owners.