"The Simpsons" predicted a hantavirus outbreak on a liner

Internet users have once again spotted a hint at real events in the animated series "The Simpsons" — this time, an episode about an outbreak of a dangerous virus on a cruise liner caught their attention. The unusual coincidence was reported by the British newspaper The Daily Mirror.

As reported by BAKU.WS citing The Daily Mirror, the episode in question is the 19th episode of the 23rd season of The Simpsons, which originally aired back in 2012. In the plot, the Simpson family goes on a sea cruise, but their peaceful vacation is suddenly disrupted by alarm sirens and an emergency address from General William Sullivan. In his broadcast, he warns passengers about the rapid spread of the "Pandora" virus, after which chaos erupts on board.

Fans of the series found the scene remarkably similar to a recent incident involving the spread of hantavirus on an actual vessel. Over its many years of existence, "The Simpsons" has repeatedly become the subject of discussions due to coincidences with world events. One of the most well-known examples is an episode that has been linked to Donald Trump's future victory in the presidential election.

The hantavirus outbreak on board became known on May 4. The expedition liner MV Hondius was sailing across the Atlantic Ocean from Argentina to Cape Verde when several passengers developed signs of a severe respiratory infection. According to media reports, the virus was presumably brought from Argentina. The World Health Organization reported that infection was confirmed in 11 people.