Topline
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that many individuals, including some Americans, departed from a cruise ship where a hantavirus outbreak led to several fatalities. This exodus occurred after the first death on board but before passengers were aware of their potential exposure to this serious illness.
Timeline
Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the MV Hondius, announced that at least 29 passengers from 12 different countries disembarked and returned home following the initial death on the ship, which occurred prior to the acknowledgment of the outbreak. Participants hailed from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the director of WHO, informed that some passengers traveled on the same flight to Johannesburg with a woman who passed away after being aboard the ship.
Ghebreyesus noted that no remaining passengers or crew showed symptoms, yet warned more cases could arise, as symptoms of the Andes variant of hantavirus may appear up to six weeks later. He maintained that the public health risk is “low.”
A Dutch flight attendant, who has shown mild symptoms, is being evaluated for the virus after having brief contact with one of the deceased patients.
An international group of scientists is working on developing a vaccine against hantavirus, as reported by the BBC.
Maria Van Kerkhove, a WHO epidemic expert, remarked, “This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease. Most people will never be exposed to this.”
The WHO confirmed five lab-proven hantavirus cases, with at least three more suspected cases among passengers and crew.
Argentine officials speculated that the outbreak might have stemmed from a trip for bird-watching that led the deceased Dutch couple to a landfill, where they could have encountered rodents carrying the virus before boarding.
Health officials announced that the hantavirus involved is a strain known as Andes, one of the deadliest varieties that can transmit between people.
Spanish health minister Monica Garcia stated the MV Hondius is headed to Granadilla port in Tenerife, Canary Islands, where passengers will start disembarking by May 11. Those showing symptoms will be quarantined, while asymptomatic people from other countries will return home.
Three individuals needing medical care, including two in serious condition, have been evacuated from the MV Hondius and flown to the Netherlands via air ambulance.
A man who traveled on a previous leg of the cruise and returned to Switzerland has been hospitalized in Zurich with a variant of the hantavirus. This case is significant as it arose after returning to the mainland, and authorities are tracing possible contacts.
The South African Department of Health confirmed tests on infected passengers indicate an Andes virus infection.
WHO confirmed the presence of a hantavirus strain on the ship with two confirmed cases and five suspected cases.
Authorities in Cape Verde denied the MV Hondius permission to dock in Praia, citing public health concerns.
A German passenger died on the MV Hondius.
A British passenger was medically evacuated to South Africa and treated in Johannesburg for a hantavirus variant.
The wife of the initial victim died in Johannesburg after collapsing at South Africa’s airport, having tested positive for a hantavirus variant.
A 70-year-old Dutch man died on the MV Hondius, with the investigation into the cause of death ongoing.
The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Crucial Quote
“It’s been quite a mammoth effort,” said Robin May, chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency, regarding the contact tracing of passengers. “We will continue to do that if other information arises.”
Where Is The MV Hondius?
As of Thursday, the ship is cruising off the West African coast, heading towards the Canary Islands. Passengers are isolating in their cabins while medical personnel in protective gear are onboard.
Big Number
Almost 150 individuals remain on the MV Hondius, representing 23 different countries, including 17 Americans.
Key Background
The MV Hondius set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, bound for the Canary Islands while stopping at several remote islands. The ship had visited locations like Antarctica, St. Helena, and Ascension Island, before attempting to dock in Praia, Cape Verde, where they were denied. Currently, there are three confirmed and five suspected cases linked to the outbreak, with three fatalities reported.
Tangent
A passenger, who disembarked from the MV Hondius weeks into the journey, mentioned to the BBC that cruise operators did not inform them about potential viruses after the first passenger’s death. Ruhi Cenet, a Turkish Youtuber, expressed frustration over how the outbreak was communicated, noting that distancing measures were not implemented. He remarked on the crowded conditions during meals and activities, saying, “People were socializing, sitting side by side.” The operator claimed it could not inform passengers sooner as they were unaware of the illness causing the death.
What Is The Andes Hantavirus?
The Andes strain is unique as it is the only hantavirus variant known to be transmitted between people. Traditionally, hantavirus infection occurs through contact with rodent waste, yet no such rodents have been identified on the MV Hondius. The Andes strain primarily exists in South America, and person-to-person transmissions occur most frequently during the early phase of illness when the virus is highly contagious.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses can lead to two syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, common in the Americas, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, primarily seen in Europe and Asia. Early symptoms of pulmonary syndrome may include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, while severe cases can lead to respiratory failure. The mortality rate for those with respiratory symptoms can reach 38%. Hemorrhagic fever affects kidney function and can result in numerous complications including internal bleeding and shock, with mortality rates varying widely.
How Is Hantavirus Treated?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections; support typically includes oxygen for those with respiratory distress and dialysis for kidney-related issues.
Surprising Fact
Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, sadly passed away in February 2025 due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
