UK, US and EU order six-week isolation over hantavirus exposure
The hantavirus outbreak that began in southern Argentina has prompted six-week home isolation orders for passengers returning from the MV Hondius. Health authorities say human-to-human spread is not occurring, but contact tracing continues.
The United Kingdom, the United States and several European Union members are repatriating citizens potentially exposed to the hantavirus outbreak in Ushuaia, southern Argentina. Officials say passengers returning from the cruise ship MV Hondius must self-isolate at home for roughly six weeks.
Hantavirus typically spreads through inhaled dust contaminated by rodent urine or droppings and can cause severe pulmonary failure. Seven cases have been confirmed so far, with three fatalities. Argentina's Health Ministry says rodent populations in the area have reached unusually high densities and control measures are continuing.
The tourism sector in Ushuaia is making cautious public statements while assessing the longer-term impact. Cruise operators have paused new bookings for the route, and the World Health Organization has reiterated that the virus does not spread person-to-person, urging the public not to panic.
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