Ushuaia, known as the “End of the World” and a major departure point for Antarctica tourism, is facing growing attention after speculation linked the city to a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. The ship is currently anchored in Tenerife, where passengers are being evacuated and flown home after the outbreak.
The cruise began its journey from Ushuaia on April 1 with 114 passengers and 61 crew members from 22 countries. While authorities believe the virus may have boarded the vessel there, the exact source of the infection remains unclear. Some reports suggested a passenger may have contracted the virus at a landfill site outside the city that is visited by tourists for birdwatching and where rats and mice are commonly found.
Local officials in Tierra del Fuego strongly rejected the suggestion. Juan Facundo Petrina said the province has never recorded a hantavirus case since the disease became part of Argentina’s mandatory reporting system in 1996. He explained that the region does not have the rodent species normally linked to the virus and also lacks the climate conditions required for its spread. Officials also pointed out that Tierra del Fuego is an island separated by the Strait of Magellan, making rodent migration more difficult.
Despite these statements, Argentina’s national government has announced plans to send experts to investigate whether infected rodents may now exist in the region due to environmental and ecosystem changes. Teams are expected to trap and test rodents near the landfill area.
Health experts say more investigation is needed because rodent habitats have shifted in several parts of Argentina in recent years. Hantavirus is a rare but dangerous disease usually spread through infected rodents or their droppings and can cause severe respiratory illness.
The situation has also raised concerns in the tourism sector. Fuegian Tourism Institute said more than 95% of Antarctic cruise ships depart from Ushuaia and the cruise industry is vital for the local economy. Officials said there have been no confirmed cancellations so far, but they fear the negative publicity could affect future travel bookings.
Tourists visiting the city said they were aware of the outbreak but felt reassured because there have been no confirmed local cases. Visitors continue taking tours through the Beagle Channel and other Patagonian attractions as normal.
Authorities say there is currently no confirmed evidence linking Ushuaia directly to the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, and investigations are continuing.
