A popular tourist destination in South America, often referred to as the ‘end of the world’, has rejected claims that it is the source of a hantavirus outbreak that has killed at least 10 people. Local authorities in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, have stated that there is no evidence linking the region to the viral outbreak, which has primarily affected residents and travellers in neighbouring Chile.
Hantavirus, which is transmitted through contact with rodents, can cause severe respiratory illness and has a mortality rate of around 30 per cent. The current outbreak, concentrated in the Chilean region of Los Lagos, has prompted health warnings from the UK Foreign Office, which advises British nationals to exercise caution when travelling in affected areas.
Despite the denial from Ushuaia, the city’s reputation as a tourist hub for Patagonia and Antarctica has raised concerns among travellers. The local government has emphasised that no cases have been reported within Argentine territory, and that sanitary measures are being strictly enforced.
However, epidemiologists caution that the virus can spread via contaminated food, water, or dust particles, and that symptoms may not appear until weeks after exposure. They recommend that visitors avoid contact with rodents and keep food sealed in secure containers.
The British Embassy in Buenos Aires has reiterated its advisory, urging travellers to monitor local health updates and seek immediate medical attention if they experience fever, muscle aches, or breathing difficulties.
Ushuaia, known for its dramatic landscapes and gateway status to the Antarctic, continues to attract thousands of tourists annually. The city’s denial of responsibility may do little to allay fears among prospective visitors, who are now weighing up the risks of travel against the allure of the world’s southernmost outpost.
