- WHO warns more hantavirus cases may emerge from MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak
- Outbreak involved Andes virus, rare hantavirus strain capable of limited human spread
- Eight cases identified, including three deaths; virus linked to rodent exposure
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that additional cases linked to the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius may still emerge, even as the global health body continues to assess the overall public health risk as low. Addressing a press briefing, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak involved the Andes virus, a rare strain of hantavirus known to spread between humans under close-contact conditions. "Given the incubation period of the Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it is possible that more cases may be reported," Dr. Ghebreyesus said. However, he stressed that "while this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low."
The outbreak occurred on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which had travelled from Argentina towards Cabo Verde across the Atlantic. According to WHO, eight cases have so far been identified, including three deaths. Five cases have been laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus infections, while three remain suspected.
Also read: Hantavirus Update: Argentina Health Authorities Hunt For Source Of Deadly Outbreak
Dr. Ghebreyesus explained that hantaviruses are typically spread through exposure to infected rodents or their urine, saliva, or droppings. The virus implicated in the outbreak is the Andes virus, found mainly in Latin America and notable for being the only hantavirus strain known to allow limited person-to-person transmission.
"In previous outbreaks of Andes virus, transmission between people has been associated with close and prolonged contact, particularly among household members, intimate partners, and people providing medical care," he said. "That appears to be the case in the current situation."
The first known patient reportedly developed symptoms on 6 April and died aboard the vessel on 11 April. Because his symptoms resembled other respiratory illnesses, hantavirus was not initially suspected. His wife later became ill after disembarking at St Helena and subsequently died in Johannesburg, South Africa, after deteriorating during a flight on 25 April.
A third passenger died on 2 May after developing symptoms several days earlier. Another patient remains in intensive care in South Africa, while three symptomatic passengers were evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment. Two are said to be in stable condition.
WHO also confirmed that another passenger who disembarked in St Helena later tested positive in Zurich, Switzerland. Genome sequencing conducted at Geneva University Hospital identified the infection as hantavirus. The ship is now heading towards the Canary Islands after Spain agreed to receive the vessel. Dr. Ghebreyesus thanked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for accepting the ship, calling it an act of "generosity" and "solidarity". "Once again, we assess the risk to the people of the Canary Islands as low," Dr. Ghebreyesus said.
WHO has implemented several containment measures onboard, including cabin isolation, disinfection procedures, symptom monitoring, and medical assessments for all passengers and crew. A WHO expert, alongside specialists from the Netherlands and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, remains onboard to oversee health measures until the ship reaches Spain.
Investigations into the origin of the outbreak are ongoing. WHO said the first cases had previously travelled through Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay on a bird-watching trip where rodent exposure may have occurred.
Dr. Ghebreyesus said WHO was continuing to work with multiple governments and health agencies "to provide care for those who are affected, protect the safety and dignity of passengers, and prevent onward spread of the virus."
Also read: What Is Andes Strain, The Only Hantavirus Type Capable Of Human-To-Human Transmission?
"Things are progressing as they should under the International Health Regulations. We will continue to share what we know because the world must remain safe. Any gap in coverage gives the virus an opportunity to spread. Solidarity is critically important. Viruses do not care about politics. Solidarity remains our strongest immunity," said WHO chief.
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