Hantavirus Outbreak Affects Cruise Passengers

Last month, a group of travelers set sail on a cruise from Argentina, hoping to witness extraordinary wildlife and explore remote islands. A little over six weeks later, most American passengers onboard the MV Hondius are now confined to small, bare rooms at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska, facing a potentially lengthy isolation period.

Passenger Jake Rosmarin shared an upbeat message on social media, saying, “Just hopping back on to let everyone know I’m okay and feeling well,” posting a cheerful selfie from his quarantine room.

He added, “The repatriation flight went smoothly, and I made it safely to the National Quarantine Unit. It’s been a long few days, but I hope to keep everyone updated soon.”

About a week ago, the World Health Organization declared a hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius, which is managed by Oceanwide Expeditions. Since then, efforts are ongoing to repatriate passengers and crew members from the infected vessel.

As of Tuesday morning, 122 individuals, including 87 passengers and 35 crew members, had been evacuated. Most have returned to their home countries, while a few Australians and a New Zealander remain in the Netherlands, awaiting repatriation later this week.

Meanwhile, 27 people—comprising 25 crew members and 2 medical staff—are sailing towards Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where the ship will undergo disinfection. They are expected to arrive soon, according to Oceanwide Expeditions.

Tragically, three passengers have died since April 11, with additional confirmed or probable cases reported. The WHO has stated that the general public risk remains low.

The next few weeks will bring uncertainty for those who were aboard the ship, as it’s believed that human-to-human transmission of the Andes variant of the hantavirus has occurred.

In the U.S., medical facilities are monitoring 18 individuals, including 17 Americans and one British dual-national. The group comprises a varied age range, suggesting older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions might be at higher risk for severe outcomes.

Sixteen of these individuals are at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with one showing positive for the virus and the others remaining asymptomatic. Additionally, a couple has been transferred to Emory University in Atlanta for further care. One at Emory is reportedly exhibiting symptoms.

Health officials will evaluate the quarantined individuals over the coming days to determine whether they can complete their monitoring at home or if they need to stay at the facilities.

Besides these 18, at least 11 others are under surveillance in seven states. Some passengers had already disembarked in various states including Arizona, California, and Texas, while individuals in New Jersey and Maryland were exposed during international flights.

As the scrutiny continues, authorities are testing those who were onboard the hantavirus-infected ship and individuals who previously had close contact with confirmed cases of the virus.

The cruise had begun on April 1 from Ushuaia, Argentina, with stops at remote locations like St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha before it was forced to anchor off Praia, Cape Verde, as authorities responded to the outbreak.

On Sunday, the Hondius was located near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands where medical teams boarded to conduct tests and evacuate passengers along with medical staff.

A French passenger who had been evacuated tested positive on her return from Tenerife and is currently in a specialized hospital. Simultaneously, a Spanish passenger in Madrid also tested positive for hantavirus.

In total, nine cases have been reported in this outbreak, with seven confirmed. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus anticipates “more cases” may arise due to the virus’s incubation period. He reassured that all passengers have access to excellent medical care.

Risk Remains Low

Authorities from nearly twenty countries are collaborating to contain the spread of this virus known for causing severe respiratory illnesses.

Hantavirus is typically contracted via exposure to infected rodent urine or feces, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fever, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems.

Nonetheless, officials urge the public not to panic. “The risk of hantavirus to the general public remains very low,” affirmed Dr. Brian Christine from the Department of Health and Human Services. He further emphasized that the Andes variant does not spread easily and requires prolonged, close contact with symptomatic individuals.