Hantavirus Cases Likely Originated in Argentina

An expert dismisses the risk of a hantavirus epidemic after three deaths on a cruise ship

Professor Fernando Esperón, a tenured veterinary professor at the European University, has stated that the risk posed by hantavirus to the general population – and the possibility of a new epidemic – is “nil.” His comment follows the World Health Organization’s report of three deaths linked to this respiratory infection aboard the luxury cruise liner MV Hondius, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, bound for the Canary Islands.

“The most important message is that there is no risk of an epidemic or anything similar, far from it. These viruses have been known for more than 70 years and are under control,” Esperón told Europa Press.

Understanding hantavirus

• Hantaviruses originate from rodents and exist in two major lineages: one in Europe and Asia, and a more aggressive one in the Americas.
• They cause two primary clinical syndromes:
  1. Pulmonary syndrome – a severe respiratory illness.
  2. Renal‑hemorrhagic syndrome – with a very low mortality rate.

In the Americas, the respiratory form predominates and is usually associated with urban rodents. In Europe and Asia, the renal syndrome is more common and is linked to field rodents such as voles.

Human‑to‑human transmission is exceedingly rare. Only one of the hantavirus variants has ever shown confirmed person‑to‑person spread, and even that is considered “extremely rare.” The other variants have no documented transmission between people.

Transmission to humans occurs mainly through inhalation of aerosolised particles from rodent excreta. Given the typical incubation period of two to three weeks, the expert believes the cruise passengers were most likely infected before boarding. Argentina is an endemic country where the virus is regularly present in rodent populations.

Situation in Spain

In the past decade, Spain has recorded fewer than 20 isolated cases, all linked to rural exposure.

“They usually arise from contact with aerosols generated in areas heavily contaminated by rodents, but this is not an emerging disease and it is not causing severe outbreaks,” Esperón concluded.

WHO and ECDC “Aware of the Situation”

The World Health Organization issued a statement confirming that it is monitoring the incident and providing support. Laboratory testing has confirmed one hantavirus infection and identified five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is in intensive care in South Africa.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported that it is closely tracking the case, coordinating with national public‑health authorities and the WHO to:

• Evaluate the available epidemiological data.
• Identify the source of infection.
• Assess any potential risk of further transmission in Europe.