WHO Says No Sign of Wider Hantavirus Outbreak After Cruise Ship Cases, But Monitoring Continues
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said there is currently “no sign” of a larger hantavirus outbreak following infections linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, though officials warn that the situation remains under close observation.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there is no evidence of wider spread at this stage, but cautioned that “the situation could change” due to the virus’s long incubation period.
Confirmed Cases and Evacuation
So far, seven confirmed cases of hantavirus have been linked to the vessel, including three deaths. Several passengers who tested positive or showed symptoms have been repatriated to their home countries.
The final group of 28 passengers was evacuated earlier this week, with flights landing in the Netherlands. In total, 122 passengers and crew have now been transported to their home countries on government-chartered flights.
The ship, which departed from Tenerife, Spain, is now sailing toward Rotterdam, where it is expected to arrive around 17 May. It will undergo sanitation procedures upon arrival.
Quarantine Measures and Hospital Precautions
Twelve hospital workers in Nijmegen, Netherlands, are currently in quarantine as a precaution after possible exposure while treating an infected passenger. Officials said infection control protocols were not fully followed during handling of blood and urine samples.
Health authorities in multiple countries, including Spain, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have also reported isolated cases or suspected infections among repatriated passengers.
In France, a patient is being monitored in Paris with worsening symptoms, while contact tracing is underway for 22 individuals.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are typically carried by rodents and can cause severe respiratory and other systemic illnesses. The strain suspected in this outbreak, Andes virus, can in rare cases spread between humans.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
Despite the confirmed cases, WHO officials continue to stress that the risk of a large-scale outbreak remains low, though surveillance efforts are ongoing.
Ongoing Monitoring
As the MV Hondius continues its voyage to Rotterdam, health authorities are coordinating international monitoring and containment efforts.
The ship operator has confirmed that disinfection procedures will be carried out, and remaining crew members are being observed for symptoms.
Officials say continued vigilance is necessary until the full incubation period has passed and no new cases emerge.
