It sounds like something out of a horror film, doesn’t it? A ghost ship, carrying an incurable disease, makes its way across the ocean, bringing tragedy to those on board and anyone else who happens to be nearby.
Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario is somewhat real. An outbreak of Hantavirus, a dangerous disease, has been traced back to the MV Hondius, which set sail from Argentina on April 1, traveling to Spain’s Canary Islands. According to an influential theory, a Dutch couple may have contracted the virus while birdwatching at a landfill before boarding the ship. Sadly, the first victim was from this couple; the man passed away, followed by his wife and a German passenger.
On April 24, numerous passengers disembarked on St. Helena Island and then flew to South Africa. Some suspected of infection have returned to their home countries, including the Netherlands, the UK, and the US. One evacuee from Amsterdam expressed concern, stating there was “a clear positive reaction.” As of now, there are two residents from Georgia, one from Arizona, and one from California being monitored for potential infection. Thankfully, Hantavirus is rarely transmitted between humans. The disease is typically caused by rodents and their droppings.
Curiously, some tabloid headlines about the hantavirus are sensational, almost hysterical, which, in the news business, is a common tactic to draw in readers. As the saying goes, “if it bleeds, it leads.” There’s definitely a sense of fear highlighted in these articles, reflecting a heightened awareness of risks in our increasingly connected world. We seem more attuned to the possibility of rare but catastrophic events, as they can lead to serious consequences.
It’s easy to forget, but the rapid spread of COVID-19 just six years ago was a wake-up call. The virus reached the US quickly, largely due to flights linking various cities. Epidemics have, in the past, spread through trade but usually at a slower pace. After all, a 737 is much quicker than an ancient trading vessel. A new pandemic could emerge in a matter of days.
There appears to be a disconnect among our leaders regarding these risks. Take the situation in Iran, for example. Despite some wise predictions in January, many people, including myself, were taken by surprise that a critical route for global trade fell under Iranian control. Now, we’re filling our gas tanks at $5 a gallon without having anticipated this outcome.
The interconnectedness in our world, while often beneficial, leaves us vulnerable, especially in times of conflict. An economic crisis in one part of the globe can send shockwaves elsewhere. Globalization provides affordable travel options and tourism income, yet it brings with it significant risks—many of which are not fully grasped by our decision-makers.
It’s common to mock “doomsayers” or those who prepare for worst-case scenarios. Whether concerning warfare, pandemics, climate change, or financial instability, there will always be voices warning of impending doom. However, maybe these individuals have a deeper understanding of the lurking dangers of globalization. Rare, yes, but extreme events do happen, and they often drive societal change.
I remember having dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Southern California back in February 2020, before we even knew what was coming. Oddly, the waitstaff was all wearing masks, and it felt strange, although we didn’t think much of it at the time. We enjoyed our meal, blissfully unaware while rumors about a new virus swirled. Looking back, it’s clear those workers were alerted by family in China.
That dinner would be the last time I saw most of them; just a month later, everything changed.
