Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Reminds Passengers of COVID-19 Lockdowns

The recent reports about a cruise ship dealing with a hantavirus outbreak seem all too familiar for those who remember being stuck in their cabins at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic back in 2020.

Tragically, three passengers from the MV Hondius have passed away; two had confirmed cases of the Andes strain of the hantavirus, while one case is still considered probable. The ship was in the middle of a journey from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands.

The U.S. State Department announced that it’s organizing a flight for 17 American passengers to quarantine in Nebraska. The ship is expected to reach the Spanish-controlled islands on Sunday, with evacuations slated for Monday.

This situation mirrors what happened with the Diamond Princess, where passengers were confined to their cabins after a COVID-19 case was confirmed just a few weeks into the cruise. Bill Smedley, whose wife was celebrating her birthday on that trip, shared how that experience turned from joyful anticipation into fear and isolation.

“It really brings back awful memories,” Smedley said in a phone interview, reflecting on the uncertainty they faced during that time.

Smedley’s cruise was “pretty devastating,” especially following the news of over 700 infections. He expressed empathy for those currently onboard the Hondius, knowing well the anxiety they must feel.

The Andes strain of hantavirus, which can be transmitted from person to person, was prevalent in areas of Argentina—the ship set sail from there on April 1. However, experts note that this strain doesn’t spread as easily as COVID-19 does through casual interactions, though its fatality rate can be as high as 50%, largely affecting vital organs like the lungs and kidneys.

Dr. Pablo Vial, specializing in infectious diseases, highlighted how some patients can deteriorate rapidly after showing mild symptoms at first.

Bill and his wife boarded their ship in January 2020 for a 28-day cruise intended to celebrate Colette’s birthday. Initially, the trip included stops in various countries, but it turned sour when a COVID-19 case was reported about two weeks in.

“They didn’t let us off the ship that Monday morning,” Smedley recalled. “Then it was ‘stay in your room.’” Over several days, passengers were confined, allowed only limited access to the deck, which heightened their fear and anxiety.

Rachel and Tyler Torres, who were on their honeymoon, faced similar challenges. Staff delivered meals but maintained strict protocols to minimize contact.

Rachel sought distractions through movies and phone calls, while Tyler turned to blogging about their experience. They returned to the U.S. on February 17, 2020, and like the Smedleys, had to undergo further quarantine upon arrival.

Passengers from the Hondius are also expected to enter quarantine after returning to the U.S., likely at a facility known for its work with infectious diseases, just as those infected on the Diamond Princess had done.

The Spanish Health Ministry has established a protocol requiring anyone who was on the ship during a certain period to undergo quarantine under active monitoring.

Gene Sloan, who faced a similar situation aboard another ship during the pandemic, noted the cramped conditions and shared feelings of entrapment that may resonate with Hondius passengers.

“You start to feel a little trapped, like you can’t really escape,” he said, emphasizing the fear that can come with such close quarters.

Bill Smedley expressed his sympathy for the passengers stranded on the Hondius, understanding their isolation in this situation.

Tyler Torres suggested that the best thing for those on the Hondius is to creatively make the most of their current circumstances.

Some passengers are keeping spirits high by sharing updates on social media, with one traveler reporting being in good spirits as they continue their journey. Another passenger noted that despite some concern, the atmosphere had not felt much different from other days at sea.

People have been engaging in activities like reading and bird-watching while carefully adhering to safety protocols. The outbreak’s origins are believed to be linked to a bird-watching trip from Argentina to Cape Verde.

“There’s a sense of calm among the passengers,” another traveler noted, reflecting the resilience of those on board.