Officials finally think they know origin of hantavirus outbreak on cruise that caused three deaths

Health officials investigating the deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship now believe they may have identified where the infection began.

Authorities in Argentina suspect the virus may have originated during a birdwatching excursion to a landfill site in Ushuaia – the country’s southernmost region – after several passengers aboard the MV Hondius became infected with the rare illness.

Three passengers died during the ship’s voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde, while more than 150 people were left stranded off the coast of Cape Verde as health officials worked to contain the outbreak. The vessel has since been cleared to dock in the Canary Islands.

According to Argentine officials speaking to the Associated Press, investigators believe a Dutch couple likely contracted the virus while visiting a landfill area in Ushuaia that may have been heavily populated by rodents. Officials suspect the couple then unknowingly brought the infection onboard the ship.