On April 1, 2026, the MV Hondius cruise ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina carrying over 150 passengers on an excursion which quickly turned into a public health emergency. After five days, on April 6, two passengers suddenly died. Soon after, other passengers on the ship started experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches and vomiting, which health officials later found out to be linked to the Andes Strain of the Hanta Virus.
The Hantavirus is most commonly spread through rodents such as rats and mice, but health officials believe the virus is now being spread through close contact with passengers. Currently, there have been eight confirmed cases on the ship and three deaths all linked to hantavirus. Crew members and expert officials have been taking steps in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus by isolating travelers. Individuals who do not have the virus were transported to Nebraska’s National Quarantine Unit to undergo testing and quarantine in order to prevent the spread.
Jake Rosmarin, from Boston, has been sharing his experience on the ship. Rosmarin has yet to test positive or experience symptoms of the Hantavirus. He has been documenting and sharing his journey on social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat in an attempt to spread awareness.
“Whats happening right now is very real for all of us here. We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines. We’re people; people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home,” Rosmarin said.
Rosmarin explained how he has spent the majority of his time isolated in his room which contains an exercise bike, bed, dresser, desk and bathroom. Travelers experiencing quarantine have nurses come in every morning who take their temperature. During this check in, the traveler is required to wear a mask. Those who are currently in quarantine are able to order food for delivery which has been a success Rosmarin, making quarantine more manageable.
“[It is] such a small gesture, but after everything these past few weeks, it genuinely meant so much,” Rosmarin said.
Both the public and families of members on the crew ship have been expressing their concern over the outbreak. Many individuals have worries that the Hantavirus will be similar to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, causing another possible lockdown. News stations have been stationed outside of the Nebraska National Quarantine Unit, trying to gather information and updates on the conditions of passengers. Health officials have been assuring the public to remain calm as they gather and test more information trying to stop the spread.
