Authorities in several countries are tracing passengers who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship following a hantavirus outbreak that has killed three people and left others critically ill. The virus has also been confirmed in a person who disembarked before the deaths.
Deadly Rat Virus Outbreak
The outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread between close contacts. Around 150 passengers from 23 countries, including the UK, were on the luxury liner. Three people have died: an elderly Dutch couple and a German woman. A British passenger was evacuated to South Africa and remains in critical condition.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated: "In line with the International Health Regulations (IHR), WHO is working with relevant countries to support international contact tracing, to ensure that those potentially exposed are monitored and that any further disease spread is limited."
Countries Linked to the Hantavirus Outbreak
- South Africa: A British man from the cruise tested positive and is in critical condition. A 69-year-old Dutch victim died upon arrival at a Johannesburg emergency department.
- Netherlands: British man Martin Anstee, 56, was evacuated on May 6 for treatment. A 41-year-old Dutch crew member and a 65-year-old German were also evacuated to the Netherlands.
- United Kingdom: Two Brits who left the ship in late April are self-isolating at home without symptoms.
- Switzerland: A man who had been on the cruise tested positive for hantavirus after visiting a hospital in Zurich.
- United States: Officials in California, Georgia, and Arizona are monitoring potential infections among passengers who returned home.
- Argentina: The ship set sail from Argentina, and the Dutch couple had traveled through South America before boarding.
- Singapore: Two residents, aged 67 and 65, are self-isolating and being tested after returning from the cruise.
Cruise Ship's Journey
The MV Hondius was stuck off Cape Verde for three days after being denied docking. Spain later allowed it to dock in the Canary Islands, though the regional president protested. Evacuation is expected to begin on Monday.
Passenger and Crew Nationalities
Passengers: UK, USA, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Japan, Greece, Belgium, Ireland, Argentina, New Zealand.
Crew: UK, Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Portugal, Russia, India, Montenegro, Guatemala.
Hantavirus Transmission
Hantavirus spreads from animals to humans through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, saliva, or urine. Inhalation of particles from droppings or touching contaminated surfaces can cause infection. Rodent bites are a rare transmission route.
