A major health alert has emerged aboard the Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius after multiple cases of Hantavirus were detected during an international voyage, leading to three deaths and growing concern among global health authorities.
The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia on April 1 and is scheduled to reach the Canary Islands on May 10. Around 150 passengers and crew members from 28 countries were originally onboard the ship.
Reports indicate that two Indian nationals are part of the ship’s crew, while passengers and staff from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Canada and the Philippines were also aboard during the outbreak.
According to health officials, eight suspected infections were identified on the vessel, out of which five cases have now been officially confirmed. A Dutch woman aged 69 who tested positive for the virus died during the voyage. Her husband and a German passenger were also among those who lost their lives, with investigations continuing into the exact circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
The outbreak has triggered international monitoring because authorities documented possible human-to-human transmission of the virus, something considered extremely rare for hantavirus infections, which are traditionally linked to contact with infected rodents.
The World Health Organization clarified that the situation should not be compared to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO infectious disease expert Maria Van Kerkhove said the virus spreads very differently and requires close, intimate contact for transmission.
As a precaution, passengers and crew onboard the ship were advised to wear masks and follow strict protective measures. Medical teams have also recommended higher-grade protective equipment for those caring for infected individuals.
The situation has become more complicated after dozens of passengers disembarked at Saint Helena during the voyage. Authorities are now attempting to trace and monitor those who left the ship before the outbreak was fully confirmed.
Among the people who disembarked were passengers from several countries, including British nationals. The body of one deceased passenger was also removed from the vessel during the stopover.
Health agencies are continuing investigations while monitoring whether additional infections emerge among passengers, crew members or recent contacts linked to the cruise.
