List of countries linked to deadly hantavirus as ‘patient zero’ identified after visiting rat-infested landfill

The investigation is currently focusing on a possible exposure event in Ushuaia, Argentina, where a Dutch couple reportedly visited a landfill area believed to have significant rodent activity before boarding the ship. Hantavirus is primarily associated with rodents and is usually transmitted through inhalation of contaminated particles from droppings, urine, or saliva.

Key points health officials are emphasizing:

• Hantavirus is serious, but uncommon.
• It is not considered a pandemic-level threat.
• Most cases are linked to direct environmental exposure to rodents, not casual person-to-person spread.
• Monitoring is precautionary because symptoms can appear after an incubation period.

Typical symptoms can include: