Hantavirus Deaths: Passengers Hunted Globally After Ship Outbreak

At least 3 people have died from hantavirus on the MV Hondius. Health officials are now searching for 29 passengers who left the ship on April 24.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

Health authorities are scrambling across continents to locate passengers who disembarked from the exploration vessel MV Hondius, following a series of deaths linked to a hantavirus outbreak. The urgency stems from at least three fatalities onboard, including a Dutch man who died on April 11, his body remaining on the ship until April 24. His wife, who accompanied his repatriation, also disembarked on the remote island of St. Helena on the same date, without initial symptom screening or contact tracing.

The virus's presence on the ship remains under investigation by the 'World Health Organisation' (WHO). The initial fatality occurred after the individual developed symptoms on April 6. Subsequent to this, and without immediate public disclosure of the developing situation, 29 passengers disembarked at St. Helena on April 24.

International Pursuit Intensifies

Efforts to track these former passengers are now a global undertaking. Health officials in various nations, including the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, are actively attempting to identify and monitor individuals who left the ship.

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  • A Dutch couple and a German national are among the reported deceased.

  • The Dutch woman, after disembarking at St. Helena, was taken off a flight in Johannesburg on April 25 due to her worsening condition. She later died on April 26, with positive test results for hantavirus confirmed on May 4.

  • Two men who disembarked at St. Helena and flew to South Africa before heading home are being monitored by 'Singaporean health authorities'.

  • A Swiss case has been confirmed in an individual who had previously been a passenger on the MV Hondius, prompting local authorities to initiate tracing efforts.

Vessel's Journey and Onboard Situation

The MV Hondius, carrying approximately 150 people from 23 countries, is currently en route to Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, with an expected arrival on Sunday. Three individuals were evacuated from the ship on 'Wednesday' for medical care, with the WHO confirming they were taken to the Netherlands. Passengers and crew currently remaining on board have been instructed to stay in their cabins. Operator 'Oceanwide Expeditions' states that no individuals currently on the ship are exhibiting symptoms.

"The WHO has been trying to establish how the virus got on the ship…" - LBC

"None of the remaining passengers or crew on the ship are currently symptomatic, the ship's operator said." - AOL

Backgrounder: Hantavirus and Cruise Ship Operations

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses primarily spread by rodents. While not typically transmitted between humans, close contact with infected rodents or their excretions can lead to infection. The remoteness of St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, complicated initial responses and potential containment efforts. The operator, 'Oceanwide Expeditions', has faced scrutiny for the timing and transparency of information regarding passenger disembarkation and the developing health crisis. The incident highlights the complex logistical and public health challenges posed by outbreaks on international travel routes.

Read More: Hantavirus Cruise Ship Arrives, Tenerife Authorities Disagree

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are health authorities searching for passengers from the MV Hondius?
Health authorities are searching for 29 passengers who disembarked from the exploration vessel MV Hondius in St. Helena on April 24. This is due to a hantavirus outbreak on the ship that has caused at least three deaths.
Q: Who has died from the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius?
At least three people have died, including a Dutch man who died on April 11 and a Dutch woman who died on April 26 in Johannesburg after disembarking. A German national is also reported among the deceased.
Q: Where did the passengers disembark the MV Hondius?
Twenty-nine passengers disembarked the MV Hondius on the remote island of St. Helena on April 24. From there, some continued their journeys, including to South Africa and then onward to their home countries.
Q: What is being done to find the passengers who left the ship?
Health officials in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States are actively trying to identify and monitor individuals who left the ship. Singaporean health authorities are monitoring two men who went to South Africa.
Q: Where is the MV Hondius now and who is still on board?
The MV Hondius is currently sailing to Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, expected to arrive on Sunday. The ship operator states that no individuals currently on board are showing symptoms, and passengers and crew have been told to stay in their cabins.