WHO Suspects Hantavirus Cruise Ship Human Transmission Out of Caution
The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus cannot be ruled out aboard the MV Hondius, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde. Three deaths and several illnesses have been attributed to the outbreak, with authorities emphasizing a low risk to the wider public. The ship, carrying nearly 150 people, is undergoing medical evacuations and is expected to sail to the Canary Islands for a full investigation and disinfection. While the exact source of the outbreak is unclear, contact with infected rodents is the typical mode of transmission, though the Andes virus strain, suspected in this case, can spread between close human contacts.
John Q. Hosedrinker