Chile reports 1,461 hantavirus cases and 458 deaths over 30 years; 2026 outbreak reaches 41 confirmed cases

A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship departing Ushuaia in April 2026 brought renewed attention to Andes-virus (ANDV) in Chile. The 'patient zero' was a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who developed fever and headache; he died five days later, confirmed ANDV. His wife also died; in total, 3 passengers perished, 4 were hospitalized, and 6 cases were confirmed with 2 suspected. The outbreak highlighted person-to-person transmission capability, previously known in Chile and Argentina but surprising internationally. Chile has recorded 1,461 ANDV cases since 1996, with 458 deaths (31.4% fatality rate). In 2026 through week 18 (May 9), 41 cases and 14 deaths were confirmed. The long-tailed mouse (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus) is the primary reservoir in rural and semi-rural zones from Atacama to Magallanes. Aysén, Los Ríos, and Ñuble showed highest incidence in early 2026.