A birdwatching trip to southern Argentina is believed to have triggered a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the Antarctic cruise ship MV Hondius.

Dutch ornithologist Leo Schilperoord, 70, likely contracted the Andes strain after visiting a rodent-infested landfill near Ushuaia before boarding the vessel on April 1.

He died on April 11 after developing flu-like symptoms. His wife Mirjam later died as well, along with a German passenger.

At least 7 cases have been linked to the outbreak. Health officials say the overall risk to the public remains low. A birdwatching trip to southern Argentina is believed to have triggered a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the Antarctic cruise ship MV Hondius.