A suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has raised concerns regarding the transmission of this rare and often deadly virus among passengers and crew members. Currently, approximately 150 individuals remain on the vessel, following the deaths of three people linked to the illness.
Typically, hantavirus is transmitted to humans through exposure to contaminated droppings or waste from rodents. However, health officials, including Maria Van Kerkhove from the World Health Organization (WHO), have indicated that limited human-to-human transmission may be possible. This could help explain the circumstances surrounding this outbreak, particularly in the case of a couple who succumbed to the virus after traveling on the MV Hondius, a Dutch ship engaged in a polar expedition.
During a news briefing, Van Kerkhove mentioned that the couple may have contracted the virus while observing wildlife in Argentina prior to boarding the cruise. The WHO is currently investigating the origins of the outbreak and implementing quarantine measures and contact tracing to prevent further spread of the virus. “We generally believe that the virus originated outside the ship,” she stated, citing the ship’s multiple stops at various islands along the African coast, some of which are known for their wildlife and rodent populations.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hantavirus can lead to severe respiratory issues and can be fatal. The virus is usually contracted through inhalation of particles from rodent excreta, saliva, or urine. Recent statements from the WHO noted that there have been instances of human-to-human transmission of a specific strain known as the Andes virus, which is prevalent in South America.
Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical correspondent for CBS News, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the type of hantavirus involved in this outbreak, given that the cruise originated in Argentina. She cited a previous outbreak of the Andes strain in Argentina in 2018, which resulted in 34 cases and 11 fatalities, while noting that human-to-human transmission necessitates “prolonged close contact.” Gounder also pointed out that hantavirus cases are rare, with fewer than 900 reported in the U.S. over the last three decades.
The cruise company, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that a 70-year-old Dutch man died aboard the ship on April 11, followed by the death of his 69-year-old wife in South Africa approximately two weeks later. South African health authorities confirmed that the wife tested positive for hantavirus. Additionally, a British passenger evacuated from the Hondius on April 27 has also tested positive and is said to be in critical condition.
There are at least four other suspected cases, including another fatality involving a German passenger whose body remains on the ship. Reports indicate that three additional individuals are ill. In response to the situation, Cape Verde dispatched medical teams to assist the crew of the Hondius but prevented the vessel from docking due to health concerns. Lindstrand, a WHO representative, confirmed that the sick passengers would be evacuated by helicopter.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the virus was likely contracted outside of the ship, as no rodents were discovered on board. Lindstrand reassured the public that cruise ships are rarely associated with hantavirus outbreaks, although they do experience other types of health issues, such as norovirus infections. When asked about the pandemic potential of hantavirus, she stated, “It’s not a pandemic-level threat.”
After the evacuation of the affected passengers, the ship is set to proceed to Spain’s Canary Islands. The Spanish Ministry of Health plans to conduct an evaluation of the ship’s occupants to identify any additional cases and assess the health risks involved, which will inform decisions about repatriation and the ship’s future route.
Passengers and crew may be required to remain on board for up to eight weeks due to the virus’s incubation period, a situation that Lindstrand acknowledged could be psychologically challenging. Travel blogger Jake Rosmarin shared his distress in a social media post, expressing the uncertainty and desire for safety and clarity as they await resolution.
Officials have acknowledged the anxiety experienced by those on the ship. “We have received feedback from many individuals aboard,” said Van Kerkhove at the news conference. “We want to assure you that we are collaborating closely with the ship’s operators and the countries of origin for all passengers.”
