An American and a French national have tested positive for hantavirus after returning from a cruise ship where a deadly outbreak occurred, authorities announced. The two individuals, who traveled on the MV Hondius, are among seven confirmed cases of the virus, with two other cases suspected, according to the World Health Organization.
The US health department reported that a second American national on the repatriation flight showed mild symptoms, and both passengers were transported in “biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution”. In France, a woman is isolating in Paris, and her health is deteriorating, with 22 contacts traced. Three passengers have died after traveling on the ship, with two confirmed to have had the virus.
Hantavirus Outbreak
Hantaviruses are typically carried by rodents, but human transmission of the Andes strain is possible. The World Health Organization believes that some passengers contracted the virus while in South America. Symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Officials say the risk of a major outbreak is very low.
More than 90 passengers of the MV Hondius ship, currently docked in Spain’s Canary Islands, are being repatriated. Spanish officials reported that 54 passengers and crew were still on board the ship, with six passengers set to disembark and fly to the Netherlands. The MV Hondius is expected to leave for the Netherlands later, and four Canadian passengers have already landed in Victoria, British Columbia, and will self-isolate and be monitored for at least three weeks.
The US Department of Health and Human Services announced that all 17 US citizens on Sunday’s flight would undergo “clinical assessment” at a medical facility in Nebraska. A British national living in the US was also repatriated alongside them. Seven other US passengers had already returned home and are being monitored in their home states.
Global Response
The World Health Organization has recommended 42 days of isolation for those leaving the MV Hondius, but the US Centers for Disease Control has chosen not to follow these guidelines, citing the rarity of human-to-human transmission. The decision has raised concerns, with WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warning that it “may have risks”.
The outbreak has prompted a global response, with multiple countries taking steps to quarantine and monitor passengers who traveled on the MV Hondius. The situation highlights the need for international cooperation and vigilance in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
