Deadly Hantavirus Strikes Luxury Cruise: A WHO Investigation

A cruise ship, MV Hondius, has reported an outbreak of the deadly Andes hantavirus, resulting in three deaths and five other confirmed or suspected cases. Though the risk to public health is considered low, passengers are being repatriated and quarantined. WHO and countries involved are investigating.

Three passengers have died from an outbreak of hantavirus on the luxury cruise ship, MV Hondius. An additional five cases have been confirmed or are suspected, prompting immediate investigation by the World Health Organization. Despite the alarming situation, the WHO reassures that the public health threat remains minimal.

The ship, marooned off Cape Verde, is expected to head to Spain's Canary Islands, where all 150 passengers will undergo quarantine protocols. Notably, the Andes strain of the virus, commonly found in Argentina and Chile, has been identified. Authorities are working to determine the risk level for passengers based on proximity to those infected.

Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with rodent excretions, though the Andes strain can transmit human-to-human. The WHO emphasizes that no significant changes in the virus's transmissibility have been recorded. Preventive measures to control the spread include rodent avoidance and detailed contact tracing.