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Hantavirus outbreak confirmed on cruise ship
Health authorities worldwide are scrambling to locate dozens of passengers who left the MV Hondius before an outbreak of hantavirus was identified, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. Five cases have been confirmed, including three fatalities.
Outbreak details and transmission risks
The WHO clarified that this hantavirus strain spreads through "close, intimate contact", ruling out a pandemic scenario similar to COVID-19. However, the virus's incubation period-up to six weeks-means additional cases may emerge. Hantavirus typically transmits via rodent excretions, with humans contracting it through contaminated air.
Passenger movements and affected countries
The luxury cruise, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and was scheduled to reach Spain's Canary Islands by May 10. Approximately 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries were initially aboard, but dozens disembarked on April 24 in St Helena.
The WHO is coordinating with officials in 12 countries-including the U.S., UK, Germany, and Canada-to monitor returning travelers. No new symptoms have been reported among those under observation.
UK cases and evacuations
Three British nationals are suspected of infection. Two confirmed cases involve men evacuated from the ship: one, a 56-year-old retired police officer, remains stable in the Netherlands, while the other is in intensive care in South Africa. Four other Britons who disembarked in St Helena are being monitored, including one patient on Tristan da Cunha.
U.S. monitoring efforts
Health agencies in five U.S. states-Georgia, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, and California-are tracking individuals who were on the ship. None have shown symptoms, according to CBS News.
Source investigation and cruise response
The outbreak's origin remains unconfirmed, though the Argentine government is investigating whether infections began during a pre-cruise bird-watching trip in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, where the Andes strain of hantavirus is endemic.
The MV Hondius was denied docking in West Africa and remained anchored offshore for days before resuming its voyage to the Canary Islands. All 146 remaining passengers and crew will undergo medical assessments upon arrival.
European cases and reactions
A Dutch woman initially suspected of infection tested negative, though two Dutch nationals-a husband and wife-died after testing positive. A German passenger also died after developing pneumonia-like symptoms. In France, eight individuals exposed to a deceased Dutch woman are being monitored, with one showing mild symptoms.
"I cannot allow [the boat] to enter the Canaries. This decision is not based on any technical criteria."
Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands
Spanish authorities approved the ship's docking in Tenerife, but local opposition has grown. Residents expressed concerns about potential risks, though some acknowledged the need to assist passengers.
Next steps and precautions
Upon arrival, non-Spanish passengers will be repatriated, while 14 Spanish nationals will quarantine at a Madrid military hospital. The WHO continues to emphasize that the public risk remains low, though health agencies urge vigilance among those potentially exposed.
