Hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius ship: passengers tracked globally

At least 3 people have died from hantavirus on the MV Hondius. Health officials are now tracking passengers in 12 countries.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

Health authorities across a dozen countries are now tracking passengers who disembarked from the MV Hondius cruise ship, following a confirmed outbreak of a potentially fatal hantavirus strain. The virus has led to at least three deaths and several suspected infections among those who were on board the vessel.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Thursday that international efforts are underway to monitor individuals who left the ship before the severity of the outbreak became apparent. In the United States, health agencies in Georgia, Arizona, and California are actively monitoring residents who were passengers. Specifically, two residents in Georgia are under observation, with public health officials stating they are currently in good health and adhering to CDC recommendations.

The MV Hondius, which began its voyage from Argentina on April 1, had nearly 150 people on board. Cases have now spread beyond the ship itself. A flight attendant in South Africa was hospitalized with suspected symptoms after potentially coming into contact with a sickened passenger. Separately, a Swiss passenger who returned home tested positive for the virus and is receiving treatment. The WHO emphasized that this situation does not indicate the start of a pandemic.

Read More: Hantavirus Deaths on Cruise Ship: WHO Says Not Another COVID

The ship is currently en route to the Canary Islands. Remaining passengers aboard the MV Hondius are reportedly being asked to remain in their cabins while awaiting disembarkation, contingent on them showing no symptoms. A WHO expert and Dutch infectious disease physicians are currently on board the vessel.

The first confirmed case of hantavirus in a passenger on the ship was identified on May 2, according to the WHO. One of the earliest confirmed deaths was a Dutch man who died aboard the ship on April 11. Close contacts of those affected are also reportedly self-isolating. Lab tests have confirmed the specific strain responsible for the outbreak on the MV Hondius. The exact source of the virus's introduction to the ship remains under investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening with the MV Hondius cruise ship?
A hantavirus outbreak has occurred on the MV Hondius, leading to at least three deaths and several suspected infections among passengers and crew. Health authorities are now tracking people who left the ship.
Q: Which countries are tracking passengers from the MV Hondius?
Health authorities in a dozen countries, including the United States (Georgia, Arizona, California), South Africa, and Switzerland, are monitoring passengers who disembarked from the ship.
Q: When was the first case of hantavirus identified on the ship?
The first confirmed case of hantavirus in a passenger on the MV Hondius was identified on May 2. One of the earliest confirmed deaths was a Dutch man on April 11.
Q: What is the current situation for passengers still on the MV Hondius?
The MV Hondius is heading to the Canary Islands. Passengers remaining on board are asked to stay in their cabins if they show no symptoms, while experts are on the vessel to manage the situation.
Q: Where did the MV Hondius voyage start and what is the total number of people on board?
The MV Hondius began its voyage from Argentina on April 1 with nearly 150 people on board. The exact source of the virus on the ship is still being investigated.