How Wet Weather in Argentina Helped Fuel the Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak
The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has been linked to a rodent population boom in Argentina, exacerbated by climate change. Wetter conditions have led to increased rodent populations, which can amplify the transmission of the virus to humans. Health officials have reported a significant rise in hantavirus cases, particularly in central Argentina, following a period of drought and subsequent wetter weather patterns.
- ▪The hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has created a global public health crisis.
- ▪Wetter years in Argentina are associated with explosive rodent population booms, known as ratadas, which can increase hantavirus transmission.
- ▪Health officials have reported 101 confirmed hantavirus cases in Argentina, double the amount from the previous year.
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María de los Ángeles OrfilaScienceMay 20, 2026 1:59 PMHow Wet Weather in Argentina Helped Fuel the Cruise Ship Hantavirus OutbreakClimate change is contributing to the conditions driving a rodent boom—dubbed a ratada—in Argentina.Photograph: Jon G. Fuller/Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyThe hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has created a global public health crisis. But the driver of it is a rodent that weighs about an ounce, and climate shifts this year that have helped increase the odds of transmission.Across the Southern Cone, researchers have long associated wetter years with explosive rodent population booms—known locally as ratadas—that can amplify hantavirus transmission.
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