Ushuaia, the 'End of the World' Resort, Denies Causing Hantavirus Outbreak
Ushuaia, Argentina's southernmost tourist hub, said its officials reject claims that the resort caused a hantavirus outbreak which struck a cruise ship. The BBC reported that health protocols have been tightened as visitor traffic peaks.
Officials in Ushuaia, Argentina's southernmost tourist hub, told the BBC that their town is not the source of the hantavirus outbreak which struck a visiting cruise ship. The municipality argued that the virus had not been detected locally for the past three years and that the cases on board may originate from elsewhere.
The outbreak emerged after the cruise ship visited the region, with passengers later placed in quarantine in Perth. Three passengers have been confirmed positive. Spain organised four flights to bring its European citizens home, and a separate cruise ship anchored off Tenerife as a precaution.
Ushuaia's municipality said it has stepped up disinfection at hotels and port terminals. Argentina's Health Ministry rolled out voluntary testing and monitoring protocols for residents. Regional tourism operators are hoping that cancellations remain limited as the high season builds.
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