Source of hantavirus revealed: Region visited by couple who died on cruise ship draws attention

The hantavirus, which has caused global concern, has returned to the agenda following the deaths of two people traveling on the cruise ship MV Hondius. Assessments indicate that 70-year-old Leo Schilperoord and his wife, Mirjam Schilperoord, had visited a landfill area in the Argentine city of Ushuaia, which is reported to be dangerous, prior to their cruise.

It is alleged that the Dutch couple, who had long been interested in birdwatching, visited high-risk areas during their explorations in South America, and that the hantavirus contracted from the landfill they came into contact with led to their deaths in the following days. It was announced that Leo Schilperoord first experienced high fever, headaches, and nausea due to the virus before passing away on the ship. His wife, Mirjam Schilperoord, reportedly succumbed to the disease in South Africa after the voyage.

Experts point out that the risk of contracting hantavirus, which can spread to humans through rodent droppings and dust particles carried by the wind, increases particularly in wildlife areas and waste sites. Symptoms can appear shortly after a suspected exposure. It was noted that there were a total of 112 passengers on board during the voyage of the MV Hondius.

While the visit to the landfill area before the trip is considered the primary trigger for the current outbreak, it was emphasized that those who engage in outdoor activities such as birdwatching should pay more attention to hygiene than ever before.