Concerns Rise Over Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship MV Hondius
Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius
Health authorities reported on Tuesday that a rare strain of hantavirus might be linked to an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, resulting in the deaths of three passengers and illness in seven others. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the potential for person-to-person transmission "cannot be ruled out," marking this situation as atypical for the virus. Hantavirus is generally transmitted through contact with the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected rodents. However, officials suspect that the Andes strain, known to spread among humans in close quarters, may be involved, particularly since it has been identified in regions of Argentina and Chile. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, stated, "We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that is happening among the really close contacts." The Andes strain carries a mortality rate of approximately 40%, raising alarms about its effects in a confined setting like a cruise ship.
The Hondius, which set sail from Argentina on March 20 with around 150 individuals on board, is currently anchored near Cape Verde. Medical teams equipped with protective gear have boarded the ship to evaluate both passengers and crew. Among those being assessed for potential infection are two crew members, one from Britain and another from the Netherlands. Passengers and crew have been prohibited from disembarking. The WHO reported that no rodents were detected on the ship, which increases the likelihood of human transmission. Authorities suspect that the initial infected passenger may have contracted the virus prior to boarding. Dr. Van Kerkhove shared with BBC Breakfast, "Our working hypothesis is that there’s probably a couple of different types of transmission that might be happening," highlighting that passengers had visited various locations where they could have been exposed to rodents.
The future destination of the ship remains unclear. Although Spain had reportedly allowed it to dock in the Canary Islands, the health ministry clarified that no final decision has been reached. The ministry stated, "Depending on epidemiological data gathered from the boat as it travels past Cape Verde, the most appropriate next stop for it will be decided." Until then, the health ministry will refrain from making a decision, as communicated to the WHO.