10.05.2026 11:33
The starting point of the hantavirus outbreak that alarmed the world has been revealed. Dutch birdwatcher Leo Schilperoord, who died from the virus, was reportedly infected with the deadly virus while observing rare bird species in a garbage dump heavily populated by rodents in Argentina. Authorities said he may have contracted the virus by inhaling particles spread from rat droppings.
It was revealed that the first patient of the hantavirus, which first started on the MV Hondius ship and caused great panic worldwide, was Dutch ornithologist Leo Schilperoord on board. It was reported that the 70-year-old Schilperoord contracted the virus at a landfill site he visited during a South America tour.
The experienced ornithologist, who embarked on a five-month bird-watching trip with his wife Mirjam Schilperoord, went to Argentina in November. After touring Chile and Uruguay, the couple returned to Argentina.
THEY WENT TO A LANDFILL FOR RARE BIRDS
According to a report by the New York Post; the beginning of the event that unsettled the world occurred on March 27. Leo and Mirjam Schilperoord visited a large landfill near the city of Ushuaia, Argentina. It was learned that the area is a frequent spot for birdwatchers wanting to observe a rare bird species called the "Darwin's caracara."
THEY MAY HAVE INHALED PARTICLES SPREAD INTO THE AIR FROM RAT DROPPINGS
However, according to experts, long-tailed rice rats living in the landfill carried the deadly Andes hantavirus. Authorities believe the Schilperoord couple was infected by virus-laden particles spread into the air from rodent droppings. Local guide Gastón Bretti stated that the area is very popular among birdwatchers, saying, "Going to landfills is common because there are many birds."
THEY BOARDED THE SHIP 4 DAYS AFTER THE LANDFILL
Just four days after the landfill visit, the couple boarded the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship. It was learned that there were over 100 passengers on the ship, most of whom were birdwatchers and scientists. Shortly after, Leo Schilperoord began showing symptoms of fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. His health rapidly deteriorated, and Schilperoord died on the ship on April 11.
HIS WIFE COULD NOT BE SAVED EITHER
Mirjam Schilperoord, who left the ship with her husband's body, traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa. However, she was not allowed to board a connecting flight to the Netherlands due to her health condition. Mirjam Schilperoord, who fell ill at the airport, passed away the following day.
WORLD ON ALERT
It has been reported that so far, three people have died on the ship due to the outbreak, and many passengers have been hospitalized. The World Health Organization announced that the Andes hantavirus can be transmitted from person to person but does not spread as quickly as Covid-19.