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In December of 2019, COVID-19 swept nations with fear, anxiety, and distrust. By March of 2020, schools and cities closed, communities isolated, and stores refused to open their doors. Like a real-life horror film, we lived masked up for nearly two years. Not only did the pandemic take lives, but it also led to lockdowns, travel bans, a stock market crash, and the suspension of major sports and entertainment industries.
Thankfully, by 2026, we’re living in a much freer world than we were. In the span of the last few weeks, however, a new outbreak is causing stress among those worldwide: The Hantavirus.
According to the CDC, Hantavirus can infect anyone, but it’s primarily contracted by coming into contact with rodents through their urine, droppings, saliva, a bite, or a scratch. Typically, the condition can cause two syndromes, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
While HPS is most commonly found in the U.S. and spread by the deer mouse, HFRS is found in Europe and Asia. When an expedition cruise from Argentina to Cape Verde set off, however, the two syndromes crossed paths when the MV Hondius became linked to an outbreak of hantavirus.
Operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, the MV Hondius was on its usual route to the Atlantic Odyssey voyage. When a case of hantavirus was confirmed, however, travelers were shocked: contracting such a disease is virtually unheard of on cruise ships. According to the Christian Post, “The World Health Organization had reported eight confirmed or suspected cases, including three deaths, among passengers linked to the voyage. “