How Argentina Contained World’s First Human-To-Human Hantavirus Outbreak In 2018

Years before the recent MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak brought hantavirus into focus again, Argentina had witnessed the world’s first major outbreak involving human-to-human transmission of the deadly Andes hantavirus strain.

The outbreak began in late 2018 in Epuyen, a small town in Argentina’s Chubut province where the world’s first confirmed hantavirus case involving human-to-human transmission was reported  and was brought under control through strict isolation and contact tracing measures.

The outbreak began in Epuyen town in Argentina’s Chubut province and later spread to nearby areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 34 people were infected and 11 died between 2018 and 2019.

Investigations linked the spread to the Andes

virus strain, the only hantavirus known to transmit between humans under close-contact conditions.

Health experts traced the outbreak to a social gathering attended by an infected person. Secondary infections were later linked to family interactions, a funeral and hospital visits. Researchers also identified “super spreader” events during the outbreak.

Authorities contained the outbreak by isolating infected patients and monitoring close contacts. People exposed to confirmed cases were placed under quarantine and public gatherings were restricted in affected areas.

The outbreak has regained attention after recent concerns over possible human-to-human transmission of the Andes virus during a hantavirus cluster linked to a cruise ship. Experts, however, said the virus spreads far less easily than Covid-19 and usually requires prolonged close contact.