health

May 7, 2026

Thousands of tourists arrive in Cartagena every week: is there a real risk of hantavirus?

Hantavirus has once again occupied international headlines after health authorities confirmed an unusual case of person-to-person transmission following an outbreak registered on a cruise ship sailing the Atlantic Ocean from Argentina to Cape Verde, in Africa. The episode has already resulted in three deaths and several passengers under medical observation.

Thousands of tourists arrive in Cartagena every week: is there a real risk of hantavirus?

TL;DR

  • Hantavirus is back in international headlines.
  • An unusual case of person-to-person transmission was confirmed.
  • The outbreak occurred on a cruise ship sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.
  • Three people have died, and several passengers are under medical surveillance.