Tourist hotspot at 'end of the world' denies causing hantavirus outbreak
Summary
Ushuaia, a city in southern Argentina known as "The End of the World," denies causing a hantavirus outbreak linked to a Dutch cruise ship. Local officials say the virus likely did not originate there because no local cases have been recorded, and the environment is not suitable for the virus-carrying rodent.Key Facts
- The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius started its journey in Ushuaia and has a hantavirus outbreak onboard.
- The ship has 114 passengers and 61 crew from 22 countries; passengers are being evacuated in Spain.
- Some media suggest the virus came from a landfill near Ushuaia where tourists watch birds and rodents live.
- Local health officials say no hantavirus cases have been reported in Ushuaia or Tierra del Fuego province.
- The virus spreads through a specific rodent not found in Ushuaia's climate or region.
- The region's geography, including its island location separated by the Strait of Magellan, makes rodent movement difficult.
- Argentina’s government is sending experts to Ushuaia to check for the virus and test rodents at the landfill.
- Experts say further study is needed because changing ecosystems could affect where the virus appears.
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