Ruptly
"Port of Ushuaia, a key economic hub in Argentina's far south, is facing uncertainty after a suspected hantavirus outbreak left three passengers dead on a cruise ship which departed from the Patagonian city. Footage filmed on Wednesday shows the port empty of tourist vessels, with little hotel activity and an atmosphere of tense calm. Ushuaia, located on the Beagle Channel, is one of the main gateways for Antarctic cruises. Each season, it receives dozens of tourist ships from Europe, the United States and other countries. Concerns rose after cases of hantavirus were detected among passengers on the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The virus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, but authorities are investigating whether the outbreak involves the 'Andes strain,' a rare variant found in Argentina and Chile that can spread from person to person. The ship left Ushuaia on April 1 for the Canary Islands with around 150 people from 23 countries on board. On April 11, a Dutch passenger died after developing severe respiratory symptoms. His wife, who was also infected, died days later. More suspected cases were also reported, and a third death of a German national was recorded on May 2. After being held off Cape Verde for several days under health restrictions, the MV Hondius resumed its journey towards the Canary Islands on Wednesday. Spanish authorities said the vessel will be received in Tenerife in the coming days for epidemiological checks, preventive isolation and the eventual repatriation of passengers and crew. Argentina's Health Ministry said monitoring continues with international organisations, as well as European and South African health authorities. It urged the public to avoid unnecessary alarm, saying there are no operational restrictions at the port and no evidence of community transmission in Ushuaia."
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