WHO Probes Rare Human Hantavirus Spread on Cruise Ship

The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring a concerning situation aboard the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, where a rare instance of possible human-to-human hantavirus transmission is under investigation. This outbreak, affecting passengers and crew, has led to seven confirmed or suspected cases, tragically resulting in three deaths so far. The ship, currently moored off Cape Verde, has been denied permission to disembark passengers due to the health scare.

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We do believe that there may be some human to human transmission that's happening among the really close contacts, the husband and wife, people who have shared cabins.

While the WHO emphasizes that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is uncommon and the risk to the broader public remains low, the agency is actively engaged in managing the crisis. The virus is typically contracted through contact with infected rodents. However, the Andes strain, prevalent in South America, has shown limited human-to-human spread in past outbreaks, a possibility being considered in this case. Testing is underway to confirm the strain and transmission method.

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We know you are scared.

International efforts are focused on the safe evacuation of the affected individuals. The Dutch foreign ministry is arranging medical evacuations for three people to the Netherlands. The WHO, through its director of epidemic preparedness, Maria Van Kerkhove, has directly addressed the fears of those on board, assuring them that all parties are working diligently to ensure their safe return home. The immediate priority is the evacuation of the two remaining sick passengers, after which the ship is expected to proceed to the Canary Islands, though Spain's health ministry has indicated a stop may not be necessary if all sick individuals are disembarked in Cape Verde.

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We hear you, we know that you are scared.