The cruise ship MV Hondius is heading to Spain’s Canary Islands as international health officials work to contain a suspected hantavirus outbreak linked to multiple deaths and illnesses aboard the vessel.
Multiple Cases Reported on Expedition Cruise
Authorities have identified eight hantavirus cases connected to the ship, including three confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Three passengers have died, while others remain hospitalized or under medical observation.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had been anchored near Cape Verde before departing for Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. Nearly 150 passengers and crew remain onboard, including 17 Americans.
WHO Investigates Possible Human-to-Human Spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare version known to allow limited human-to-human transmission among close contacts.
Health officials believe the outbreak may have started before passengers boarded the ship, possibly during wildlife excursions in Argentina. Investigators are examining whether infected rodents exposed travelers during a bird-watching tour near Ushuaia.
Contact Tracing Expands Across Countries
Authorities in Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States are conducting contact tracing efforts. Officials are monitoring passengers, flight travelers, and close contacts who may have been exposed.
Several former passengers in the U.S. are under observation but currently show no symptoms, according to health departments in Georgia and Arizona.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Early symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches, but severe cases can rapidly progress to respiratory failure.
According to the CDC, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a mortality rate of nearly 38% in patients who develop severe respiratory complications.
Canary Islands Arrival Under Strict Protocols
Spanish health officials say the ship will dock safely in Tenerife under strict quarantine and medical screening procedures. Passengers are expected to undergo evaluations before repatriation or transfer to medical facilities.
For more updates on the hantavirus, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.