WHO Suspects Human Hantavirus Spread on Stranded Cruise Ship

Human-to-human hantavirus transmission is suspected on the MV Hondius cruise ship. Three passengers have died, and several others are sick. The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a caution on Tuesday.

This virus usually spreads from rodents to people. Evidence now suggests a rare spread between people on the ship. This happened after a month-long trip to remote islands. The ship is currently stuck off Cape Verde. It awaits emergency medical help.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director, said officials cannot ignore the possibility of person-to-person spread. Some cases had very close contact. Human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out. This is why they are assuming it could happen as a precaution. The risk to the general public remains low. The virus does not spread like the flu or COVID-19. It is quite different. Spread likely happens between very close contacts. This includes married couples.

The outbreak has led to the deaths of a Dutch couple and a German national. Seven cases have been found. These include two confirmed and five suspected infections. A British national is in intensive care in South Africa. His condition is reportedly improving. Two crew members are also showing severe breathing problems. The first suspected death was on April 11. A 70-year-old Dutchman died on board. He had fever, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. His wife later died at a hospital. A German national died on board on May 2. He had pneumonia. A seventh person had a mild fever but is now well.

Two special planes are going to Cape Verde. They will evacuate sick crew members and one person linked to the dead German passenger. These patients will go to the Netherlands for urgent care. The plan for medical evacuation is underway. After these evacuations, the ship plans to sail to the Canary Islands. This journey will take three days. Cape Verde refused the ship’s request to dock. It is now anchored near Praia.

Experts believe the initial infections likely started off the ship. The MV Hondius left Argentina on April 1. It visited Antarctica and remote places. Many people on the trip were birdwatching. Rodents live in these remote areas. There could be a source of infection on the islands. Hantavirus usually spreads through rodent pee, droppings, or saliva. The Andes variant can spread between people in limited ways. Passengers got sick between April 6 and April 28. Symptoms included fever, stomach issues, and breathing difficulties. The virus can be very deadly. About 38% of people with respiratory symptoms may die.

The ship remains anchored with 148 people on board. Strict isolation and monitoring are in place. Travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin described the mood as somber. He said, “What’s happening right now is very real for all of us here.” He added, “All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity, and to get home.” He noted that the company and crew are doing their best. They are trying to keep passengers safe and informed.

The family of the Dutch couple is in shock. They said, “The beautiful journey they experienced together was abruptly and permanently cut short.” They are unable to comprehend the loss. The company confirmed the virus was found in the female Dutch passenger. A British national got sick after the ship left Saint Helena. He was evacuated from Ascension Island.

Spain’s health ministry will send disease experts. They will assess the ship. A full cleaning and investigation will happen. The WHO is watching the situation closely. Dr. Van Kerkhove stated, “We have heard from people on the ship, we hear you, we know you are scared.”