International investigators are currently reconstructing the travel history of a Dutch couple suspected of contracting the Andean variant of hantavirus in northern Argentine Patagonia. The infection triggered an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, resulting in at least three passenger deaths and an undetermined number of infections.
The incident has sparked a multi-national investigation involving authorities from Argentina, Chile, and the Netherlands, with the World Health Organization (WHO) also intervening.
Tracing the Source of Infection
Health authorities in Argentina and the Netherlands are specifically analyzing the movements of Leo Schilperoord, a 70-year-old ornithologist from the Netherlands, and his wife, Mirjam Schilperoord. The couple had been conducting a bird-watching tour across various regions of Argentine Patagonia before boarding the vessel for a trip to Antarctica.
Leo Schilperoord died on board the ship on April 11. His wife, Mirjam, passed away on April 24 after disembarking in South Africa during an attempt to return to the Netherlands.
While initial reports suggested the couple may have been infected at a landfill in Ushuaia, a new reconstruction suggests the outbreak “almost certainly” originated in northern Patagonia. This region is located more than 2,400 kilometers north of Tierra del Fuego.
According to this hypothesis, the couple spent between 25 and 30 days in the provinces of Chubut, Río Negro, and Neuquén. They arrived in Ushuaia on March 29, just two days before boarding the MV Hondius on March 31.
Epidemiological Evidence
Juan Petrina, the Director of Epidemiology of Tierra del Fuego, has rejected the theory that the infection occurred at a local landfill. He stated to the Daily Mail that “the virus has never been here” and noted that the long-tailed mouse, which carries the virus, is not found in that area.
Petrina further explained that the timing does not align with a Tierra del Fuego infection. Because the couple arrived on the afternoon of March 29 and boarded the ship two days later, they did not have the minimum one-week incubation period required for the virus to develop.
The focus on the Andean variant is critical because It’s primarily present in southern Argentina and is considered one of the most dangerous forms of the virus due to its ability to spread between humans.
Regional Impact and Health Data
The Argentine Ministry of Health has held meetings with health representatives from all 24 provinces to fully map the couple’s route and pinpoint the exact origin of the contagion.
Official data indicates that Argentina has recorded 42 cases of hantavirus so far in 2026. Since June of last year, there have been a total of 101 infections and 32 deaths, although authorities have not yet determined how many of these were caused specifically by the Andean variant.
Meanwhile, the Chilean Ministry of Health has distanced itself from the outbreak. The ministry stated that primary cases traveled through Chile during a period that does not correspond with the incubation window, suggesting exposure did not occur within their borders.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of particles contaminated with the urine, saliva, or excrement of infected rodents. Early symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, and respiratory difficulty.
In severe cases, the disease can rapidly progress to pulmonary failure. Given the current findings, authorities may continue to expand their search for the specific rodent populations responsible for the northern Patagonia cluster.
Further investigations could lead to updated travel warnings or enhanced health screenings for passengers embarking on Antarctic cruises from the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is hantavirus transmitted to humans?
It is mainly spread through the inhalation of particles contaminated with the saliva, urine, or excrement of infected rodents.
What makes the Andean variant particularly dangerous?
The Andean variant is considered one of the most dangerous forms of the virus because it has the capacity for interpersonal transmission (human-to-human).
Which provinces in Argentina are linked to the suspected origin of this outbreak?
The suspected origin is linked to the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, and Chubut in northern Patagonia.
How should international health protocols evolve to better manage rare, zoonotic outbreaks in the tourism sector?
