Health authorities are urgently tracking down cruise passengers exposed to a hantavirus outbreak that claimed three lives aboard the MV Hondius. More than 30 individuals from at least 12 countries disembarked the ship on April 24 without proper contact tracing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the risk to the general public is low, as hantavirus primarily spreads through contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily transmissible between humans.
Dr. Abdirahman Mahamud from the WHO emphasized that effective public health measures could contain the outbreak.
Concerns have intensified after a flight attendant in South Africa displayed symptoms of the virus after being in contact with an infected passenger. This passenger, a Dutch woman, passed away after being removed from a flight.
As investigations continue, several passengers are currently under observation in different countries, including Singapore and the UK, while contact tracing efforts expand.
The cruise ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that the ship is now en route to Spain’s Canary Islands with over 140 passengers and crew still onboard.
Details of the Outbreak
The first confirmed case of hantavirus aboard the ship was reported on May 2, following the evacuation of a British passenger to South Africa. The WHO has identified that at least five infected individuals contracted the Andes virus, the only hantavirus known to spread between humans.
Health authorities in Argentina, where the outbreak is believed to have originated, are cooperating with the WHO to investigate the couple who presented the initial cases. They traveled through regions known for the presence of the Andes virus.
This is a serious situation, and we are working with international partners to trace contacts and implement health measures.
Dr. Abdirahman Mahamud, WHO
The situation remains fluid, with health officials urging the public to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines.