Three passengers have died and several others have been infected with hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship that embarked on a journey from Argentina approximately one month ago. The ship, which set sail from Ushuaia on March 20 and is expected to conclude its voyage in Cape Verde on May 4, is currently under scrutiny by health authorities.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses in humans. Rodents are the primary carriers of these viruses, with the World Health Organization (WHO) noting that certain strains can have a mortality rate as high as 50%.
According to the WHO, transmission typically occurs through contact with the urine, saliva, or feces of infected rodents. The virus can also enter the human body through inhalation of contaminated dust, particularly in poorly ventilated or closed spaces.
Different forms of hantavirus illnesses are prevalent in various regions. In Europe and Asia, the disease often manifests as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), affecting the kidneys and blood vessels. In contrast, North and South America commonly experience hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which impacts the lungs and heart.
“In North and South America, hantaviruses can cause severe respiratory illness with a mortality rate of up to 50%,” stated the WHO.
The primary symptoms of hantavirus infection include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Cough and shortness of breath
In severe cases, the illness can lead to rapid respiratory or kidney failure and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Currently, there is no specific treatment or officially approved vaccine for hantaviruses. Medical professionals typically provide supportive care and closely monitor patients’ conditions.
The WHO also emphasizes that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is rare, with the Andes virus in South America being the only known exception, where limited human transmission has occurred during close contact.
To prevent infection, the WHO recommends avoiding contact with rodents, refraining from sweeping dry rodent droppings, moistening contaminated surfaces before cleaning, and practicing good hand hygiene.
Current Situation on the MV Hondius
As reported, the MV Hondius is currently under examination by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to identify passengers requiring urgent evacuation. Among those on board are five Ukrainian nationals.
“Some passengers share cabins, which increases the likelihood of close contact,” noted WHO representative Maria Van Kerkhove.
It is believed that the initial case may have contracted the virus before boarding the ship. On May 6, the Spanish Ministry of Health announced that the ship would be received in the Canary Islands. Although initial resistance to docking was expressed, authorities agreed to allow the ship to berth on May 10.
According to the WHO, eight individuals aboard the MV Hondius have fallen ill, with three fatalities reported, including citizens from the Netherlands and Germany. Laboratory confirmation has been obtained for six cases, while two others remain under investigation.
Preliminary reports suggest that the source of the infection may be a Dutch couple who contracted the virus in South America before embarking on the cruise, during which the virus may have spread to other passengers. Both individuals later succumbed to the illness.
An outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three fatalities and several infections. Health authorities are investigating the situation as the ship prepares to dock in the Canary Islands.