A rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has reportedly claimed multiple lives, prompting international health surveillance and strict safety measures as the vessel continues its Atlantic voyage under close monitoring.
Health officials confirmed that at least three passengers have died, while several others reportedly developed symptoms linked to the virus during the trip.
Passengers and crew members have since been directed to observe strict health protocols similar to those introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including frequent hand sanitising, physical distancing, face mask use, and modified dining arrangements.
According to reports by The New York Times, the outbreak has been linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare infection commonly spread through exposure to rodent saliva, urine, or droppings.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that while the Andes variant can spread between humans through prolonged close contact, such transmission remains uncommon.
Spain has approved plans for the cruise ship to dock in Tenerife in the Canary Islands despite concerns raised by regional authorities over the health implications.
Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica García, said medically stable passengers would be permitted to return home after the ship docks.
However, Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo questioned the necessity of allowing the vessel continue its journey to the islands.
“There is no information that justifies why the vessel must sail for three days to the Canary Islands,” he said.
Medical evacuations have already been carried out, with three passengers transferred to the Netherlands for treatment, including two individuals said to be in critical condition.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus sought to calm fears surrounding the outbreak, assuring the public that the overall health threat remains limited.
“At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low,” he said.
Meanwhile, South African health authorities have commenced contact tracing efforts involving individuals who may have interacted with infected passengers.
Investigators are also examining whether the virus may have been contracted during an earlier stop in South America.
Health experts explained that hantavirus symptoms typically begin with fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain before progressing to severe respiratory complications in critical cases.
