Health experts and the World Health Organization say the recent hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius in the South Atlantic is unlikely to become a Covid-style pandemic, with risks to the Gulf region considered extremely low.
Eight cases, including three deaths, have been reported among passengers and crew after the vessel travelled near remote areas of Argentina. Five infections were confirmed as the Andes strain of hantavirus, the only known variant capable of limited human-to-human transmission through prolonged close contact.
Medical specialists said hantavirus spreads mainly through exposure to rodent urine or droppings rather than casual contact. The ship is expected to arrive in Spain this weekend, where health teams are preparing to assess passengers. WHO officials stressed the outbreak remains contained, with existing public health measures considered sufficient to prevent wider spread.
