Topline
Health professionals are raising alarms about the U.S. preparedness for a potential hantavirus outbreak. This concern comes after reports of multiple passengers returning home from a cruise ship where a dangerous and infectious disease was present without their knowledge.
Timeline
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, head of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, stated that the U.S. is “not prepared” to respond to a hantavirus outbreak due to previous budget cuts to the CDC and USAID, alongside the nation’s exit from the World Health Organization.
In response to a false online claim, doctors are clarifying that ivermectin—a drug typically used for livestock—is not a validated treatment for hantavirus.
The cruise line, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that at least 29 passengers from 12 different countries left the MV Hondius after the first onboard death; this occurred before the outbreak was confirmed. The countries involved include Canada, Denmark, Germany, and several others, culminating in a diverse group.
Health officials in Texas are monitoring two residents who were on the cruise ship but currently show no symptoms.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus from the WHO noted some passengers had flown to Johannesburg with a woman from the ship who later died.
Ghebreyesus mentioned that while no passengers or crew on the MV Hondius are currently showing signs of illness, it’s possible that more cases could arise, as symptoms for the Andes variant may take up to six weeks to appear. However, he claimed the public health risk is “low.”
A Dutch flight attendant with mild symptoms is undergoing testing after coming into contact with a deceased patient from the cruise.
An international team is reportedly working on a vaccine for hantavirus.
The CDC informed that Luis Rodríguez, the public health officer for cruise ships, is retiring, with no indication of a successor.
Maria Van Kerkhove, an expert with the WHO, remarked, “This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease.” Most people, she noted, will likely never be exposed.
The WHO confirmed five verified hantavirus cases and at least three additional suspected cases among the ship’s passengers and crew.
Authorities in Argentina suggested the outbreak may have started during a bird-watching trip when the deceased couple came into contact with rodents at a landfill.
Health officials confirmed this outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is particularly lethal and can be transmitted between individuals.
Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia stated the MV Hondius is headed to Granadilla port in the Canary Islands, where passengers are expected to disembark by May 11. Quarantines will be enforced for symptomatic patients while asymptomatic individuals from other nations will be sent home.
Three individuals requiring medical attention, including two in serious condition, have been evacuated from the MV Hondius to the Netherlands.
A passenger who traveled earlier on the ship has been hospitalized in Switzerland with a strain linked to the hantavirus, marking the first case associated with the trip after returning home. Authorities are now tracing possible contacts.
Tests confirm that infected passengers on the MV Hondius were affected by the Andes virus, known for its approximately 40% fatality rate.
The WHO confirmed that hantavirus cases have emerged aboard the ship, reporting two confirmed and five suspected cases.
Authorities in Cape Verde denied the MV Hondius docking rights, citing public health as a primary concern.
A German passenger died aboard the MV Hondius.
The wife of the first victim died in Johannesburg after an incident at an airport. She had also been confirmed to carry a variant of hantavirus.
A 70-year-old Dutch man passed away on the cruise, with the cause of death still under investigation.
The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Crucial Quote
Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency, commented, “It’s been quite a mammoth effort” regarding the process of tracking down passengers from the ship. He added, “We will continue to do that if other information arises.”
Where Is The MV Hondius?
As of Thursday, the vessel is navigating off the West African coast toward the Canary Islands. Passengers are isolated in their cabins, supported by a team of medical professionals equipped with protective gear.
Big Number
Almost 150 individuals remain on board the MV Hondius. This figure includes people from 23 countries, with 17 being Americans.
Key Background
The MV Hondius set sail on April 1 from Ushuaia, Argentina, aiming for the Canary Islands and making stops at several remote locations along the way. After a visit to various islands, including St. Helena, the ship was refused permission to dock in Cape Verde. There are currently three confirmed and five suspected cases associated with the outbreak, with three fatalities.
Tangent
A passenger who disembarked weeks into the voyage mentioned to the BBC that the cruise operator failed to inform them of potential virus concerns following the first passenger’s death. Ruhi Cenet, a Turkish YouTuber, expressed dissatisfaction with how the situation was managed, stating that they were told the deceased was “not infectious,” prompting normal social interactions among passengers. He highlighted that the group could have been at risk without knowing about precautions that should have been taken.
What Is The Andes Hantavirus?
Andes is notably the only hantavirus strain known for human-to-human transmission. Generally, hantavirus is contracted from rodents through contamination from urine, droppings, or saliva. However, officials reported no findings of rodents aboard the MV Hondius. Found primarily in Argentina and Chile, Andes virus requires close contact for transmission during early symptoms. The CDC notes that symptoms can appear within one to two weeks, though some may take longer. The risk to the wider population remains classified as “low.”
What Are The Symptoms Of Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses can cause two main syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The former can result in early signs like fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, escalating to more severe respiratory issues. The latter affects the kidneys, leading to various symptoms including internal bleeding. Mortality rates vary based on the strain but can be notably high.
How Is Hantavirus Treated?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus; patients typically receive supportive care, such as oxygen therapy.
Surprising Fact
Betsy Arakawa, the spouse of actor Gene Hackman, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome at age 65 in February 2025.
