Cruise Ship Hantavirus Cases Rise to 11, French Woman Critical

Eleven people are now sick with hantavirus from the MV Hondius cruise ship, a significant increase. Three people have sadly died.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

Eleven people now face consequences from a voyage on the MV Hondius, with a French woman in Paris reportedly on life support. Her condition, described as critical, involves an artificial lung, according to hospital officials speaking on Tuesday. This incident marks what authorities label the first known hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship.

The cluster of cases, now at 11, stems exclusively from passengers and crew of the MV Hondius. Three individuals have already died. Health bodies suspect a Dutch couple were among the earliest affected, with their exposure believed to have occurred during a stop in South America.

A Separate Incident, Different Strain

Meanwhile, in Illinois, health officials are looking into a potential hantavirus case. However, they emphasize this situation appears unconnected to the cruise ship outbreak. The individual in Illinois, residing locally and with no international travel, is suspected of contracting a North American strain of the virus.

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Unlike the strain associated with the MV Hondius, North American hantaviruses are not generally understood to spread between people. This local case presented with mild symptoms, not requiring hospitalization, and is being investigated in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people have hantavirus from the MV Hondius cruise?
Eleven people, including passengers and crew, have now been confirmed with hantavirus after traveling on the MV Hondius. Three individuals have sadly passed away from the illness.
Q: What is the condition of the French woman in Paris?
A French woman in Paris who was on the MV Hondius is in critical condition and is on life support with an artificial lung. Her case is being closely monitored by hospital officials.
Q: Is the hantavirus case in Illinois related to the cruise ship outbreak?
No, health officials in Illinois believe the suspected hantavirus case there is unrelated to the MV Hondius outbreak. The individual in Illinois has no international travel history and is suspected of contracting a different strain.
Q: What is known about the hantavirus strain on the cruise ship?
The strain of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius is believed to have affected a Dutch couple who stopped in South America. This strain is different from the North American strains, which are not typically spread between people.
Q: What happens next with the MV Hondius investigation?
Health authorities are continuing to investigate the source of the contamination on the MV Hondius and are monitoring the health of other passengers and crew. Further updates on the outbreak are expected.