WHO Reports End of Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday that a hantavirus outbreak believed to have started on the cruise ship M/V Hondius in April is officially over.
This outbreak attracted significant media attention due to the unusual circumstances of its spread. Experts suspect that a couple, keen on birdwatching, contracted the virus while visiting a landfill in southern Argentina. There were worries about the hantavirus potentially spreading globally as the cruise ship drifted near Cape Verde for a while, with the local government concerned about the arrival of a serious disease.
The ship finally docked at Tenerife in the Canary Islands on May 10, enabling health officials to closely monitor passengers for symptoms. The long incubation period of the virus, which can be up to 42 days, complicated efforts in tracking contacts.
On Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that the last person identified as being potentially exposed has completed the incubation period, marking the conclusion of the outbreak. The organization reported that all contacts fulfilled the 42-day health follow-up as per WHO guidelines. They emphasized that the absence of additional cases indicates a successful containment of the situation.
The WHO further stated that the outbreak no longer poses a public health risk, confirming that no additional infections are expected. Health officials confirmed 13 cases of hantavirus linked to this outbreak, including three fatalities. One of these cases was identified as a probable “patient zero” on board the cruise.
While no new cases have been reported, it was noted that two individuals are still undergoing treatment. Tedros added that the WHO’s work is ongoing, highlighting the need for further research to enhance understanding of hantaviruses and their causes. The director expressed gratitude towards the countries that helped manage the outbreak, particularly Spain for allowing the ship to dock.
The outbreak was traced back to Tierra del Fuego, at Argentina’s southern tip, where the initial patient was diagnosed. That patient, an elderly Dutch man named Leo Silpeold, sadly passed away before confirming the infection. His wife, Mirjam, sought assistance in South Africa after disembarking, but her health deteriorated as well; she later died from the virus.
Interestingly, local officials stated they found no evidence of the outbreak occurring in Tierra del Fuego, as the couple had traveled extensively before arriving there. Visiting landfills is, reportedly, a common activity for birdwatchers due to the diverse wildlife.
WHO’s involvement was initially prompted by a warning from the British government when many people were still onboard the vessel. The organization began evacuating those showing severe symptoms prior to the Spanish government’s orders for the ship’s entry.
