Argentina's 'end of the world' resort denies it is the source of the hantavirus outbreak
Authorities in Argentina's southernmost Ushuaia area said the hantavirus outbreak that has spread in recent weeks did not originate within the resort. Local officials said laboratory results have not yet confirmed a source of exposure. The outbreak has gained international attention after cruise passengers were evacuated.
Authorities in the Ushuaia region of southern Argentina said publicly that recent hantavirus cases did not originate within their area. The statement followed the evacuation operation for cruise passengers organised by Australia.
Local health officials said field surveys have not yet detected the virus in the rodent population around the resort. They added that, without laboratory results pointing to a specific origin, the outbreak could have started elsewhere.
Ushuaia, marketed as Patagonia's southernmost gateway, is concerned about heavy reservation cancellations at the start of the season. The government has tightened monitoring protocols and set up information desks for arriving visitors. Coordination with Australian and Chilean health authorities is set to continue.
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