The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, including three deaths, while emphasizing that a large epidemic is not anticipated. The organization stated that more cases may appear, but the overall public health risk remains low. The outbreak involves the Andes virus, a strain of hantavirus known for its limited human-to-human transmission potential under close contact.
Authorities are closely monitoring passengers and crew who disembarked the ship, with individuals being tracked in various locations, including the United States, the UK, and Switzerland. Dutch airline KLM reported an incident where a passenger was removed from a flight in Johannesburg due to a deteriorating medical condition. Notably, the Canary Islands president, Fernando Clavijo, successfully negotiated with the Spanish government to prevent the MV Hondius from docking in Tenerife, citing public health concerns for the archipelago.
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Outbreak Details and Response
The first reported death occurred on April 11 on board the MV Hondius, with a 70-year-old Dutch man succumbing to the illness. His wife, a 69-year-old Dutch national, died on April 26. A German national also died in the outbreak. Approximately 40 passengers disembarked the ship in St. Helena before the outbreak was widely reported.
On Wednesday, three patients were evacuated from the ship, including Martin Anstee, a 56-year-old British expedition guide. Footage showed health workers in protective gear assisting with the evacuations. Passengers and crew remaining on board are reportedly asymptomatic. Authorities have stated there are no rats on the ship, a common vector for hantavirus.
Background and Risk Assessment
Hantaviruses are found globally, typically spread through contact with infected rodents. However, the Andes virus strain identified in this outbreak is unusual for its capacity for human-to-human transmission, though this is considered limited. Symptoms of hantavirus can mimic the flu, including headaches, dizziness, chills, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
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The WHO, through its Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has maintained that the assessed risk to the public remains low, even when the ship docks. The organization is working on contact tracing for individuals who were on flights with ill passengers. Passengers on the MV Hondius had previously undertaken expeditions in South America, where potential rodent exposure may have occurred.
