Hantavirus kills three on cruise ship

• Three passengers died from hantavirus on a Dutch cruise ship
• Outbreak occurred near Tristan da Cunha after vessel left Argentina
• WHO says public risk remains low despite investigation into spread

Following its usual routine, Dutch ship MV Hondius departed Argentina on April 1, 2026 for its week's long polar cruise. A few days after, starting from

April 6, a couple of guests started showing gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. This eventually led to a deadly outbreak of the rare and deadly hantavirus. And soon, three passengers succumbed to the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and at least five more patients tested positive. For the unversed, at first, hantavirus can feel like the flu, with patients suffering from fatigue, fevers, chills, and aches. But over time, as the virus damages the heart, lungs, or kidneys, patients can suffer severe shortness of breath, organ failure, and even die. While the WHO said there is no need for alarm and that the risk to the wider public remains low, experts are puzzled as to how the disease could have spread on the cruise ship. Also Read:MV Hondius, Before Becoming The 'Hantavirus Cruise', Was Known For Carrying Travellers To The World’s Remotest Island The concern resurfaced globally after reports connected a group of ill cruise passengers to possible hantavirus exposure during a remote expedition voyage near Tristan da Cunha. A course of investigations are still being discussed but the headlines have reignited public curiosity about where hantavirus exists and whether it is safe to travel to these areas.

So, Is It Really Safe To Travel Amid The Hantavirus Scare?

The reality is that hantavirus cases are rare worldwide. However, there are certain destinations that can increase exposure. Rural cabins, campsites, hiking shelters, forest lodges and remote islands with rodent populations naturally carry a higher risk than urban hotels or basic tourist hubs. Adventure travellers, trekkers, backpackers and eco-tourists are more likely to encounter environments where rodents may be present.

Also countries across North and South America, parts of Europe and Asia have documented hantavirus cases over the years. Different strains circulate in different regions. For instance: In the United States, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has occasionally been linked to camping trip. In parts of South America, especially Chile and Argentina, health authorities have also reported sporadic outbreaks associated with rural exposure.

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As per WHO, the most routine tourism activities carry little or no risk of exposure to rodents or their excreta. However, it is always better to practice precaution.