Birdwatchers defend Tierra del Fuego as hantavirus fears rise over Argentine cruise

Birdwatching tourism is at the center of a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise from Ushuaia, with three deaths and five sick; the WHO says the first confirmed case may have stemmed from rodent exposure during birding, while there is also mention of possible onboard human-to-human transmission. Some locals and guides defend Ushuaia against being labeled a hantavirus hotspot as authorities investigate, noting strict hygiene on the ship and ongoing epidemiological work.