The World Health Organization’s director general has warned that more cases of hantavirus are expected in the coming weeks following a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that while there is no indication of a pandemic, the situation could change due to the virus’s long incubation period.
Outbreak on the MV Hondius
Three people aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was sailing the Atlantic Ocean, have died from the rare but deadly disease. At least 85 guests and 35 crew members have been evacuated from the vessel, according to tour operator Oceania Expeditions. Eight additional individuals have fallen ill or tested positive, including a US citizen and a 65-year-old French woman.
Tedros described the experience of the 150 people on the ship over nearly six weeks since departing Argentina as “a very frightening situation.” He noted that some passengers suffered mental breakdowns and emphasized their right to be treated with dignity and compassion.
Global Response and Quarantine Measures
The WHO has recommended active follow-up for evacuated passengers, including daily checks for symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. Passengers were flown from Tenerife to their home countries, where they are advised to self-isolate for 42 days. Tedros acknowledged concerns among Tenerife residents but stated the risk to the local population and globally is low.
He praised Spain for its compassion and urged other governments to ensure passengers quarantine for at least 42 days. The MV Hondius is set to anchor in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for disinfection.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus, sometimes called “rat virus,” is a rare family of pathogens carried by rodents. There is no vaccine or cure. The virus spreads through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva. Early symptoms resemble the flu but can escalate to heart or lung failure. The outbreak involves the Andes strain, endemic to South America, which is the only strain known to spread human-to-human, though rarely.
Dr. Stathis Giotis, a lecturer at the University of Essex, stated that while the situation is serious for those affected, there is no evidence of a broader epidemic threat. People in contact with rodent droppings, such as agricultural workers, are at higher risk.
