This is not coronavirus, this is a very different virus. A global contact-tracing effort is underway following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has resulted in three deaths. Health agencies in multiple countries are working to locate passengers who disembarked, as the Andean strain of hantavirus, capable of rare human-to-human transmission, has been detected. While authorities are monitoring and testing individuals who were on the ship or in contact with those infected, the immediate risk to the general public is considered extremely low.
Read More
The World Health Organization has confirmed five hantavirus infections linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, with three deaths reported among passengers who disembarked. As the vessel approaches Spain’s Canary Islands, remaining passengers and crew are being monitored, and international health authorities are tracing individuals who have already returned to countries like the Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK, the US, and Singapore. While the exact origin remains unclear, investigations suggest potential exposure in Argentina prior to boarding, and though further cases are expected, a widespread epidemic is not anticipated.
Read More
Argentine officials are investigating a deadly hantavirus outbreak among passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which departed from Ushuaia, a region with the highest incidence of the rodent-borne disease in Latin America. Investigations aim to trace the source of contamination, with particular focus on passengers’ travel within Argentina prior to boarding. The Andes virus, responsible for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, has caused three deaths among passengers, with others in critical condition or testing positive in various countries. Climate change is also being cited as a factor potentially accelerating the spread of hantavirus due to shifting rodent habitats.
Read More
A Dutch cruise ship, the MV Hondius, carrying a hantavirus outbreak, is en route to Spain’s Canary Islands. Spanish health officials are currently assessing passengers in Cape Verde to determine who needs immediate evacuation, while the remaining individuals will continue their journey, anticipating arrival within three to four days. The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has indicated Gran Canaria or Tenerife as potential destinations. The vessel, which departed Argentina approximately a month ago, has already seen three passenger deaths linked to the outbreak.
Read More
Cape Verde has denied docking requests for the cruise ship MV Hondius, citing concerns over a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three passenger deaths and at least two other illnesses. The virus, primarily transmitted by rodents, has led to one confirmed case and five suspected cases among those onboard, prompting international health officials to investigate. The ship operator is exploring alternative docking options in the Canary Islands, while implementing strict precautionary measures onboard.
Read More
The MV Hondius cruise ship, en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, has experienced a suspected hantavirus outbreak, resulting in three fatalities. The World Health Organization confirmed one case, with five others under investigation, and noted one British national is in intensive care in South Africa. Hantavirus, typically transmitted from rodents, can cause severe respiratory illness and, rarely, person-to-person transmission.
Read More
Following the report of a third fatality on board a vessel, discussions are underway regarding the potential isolation of two other passengers exhibiting illness. These individuals may be transferred to a hospital in Cape Verde for observation and treatment. The decision concerning their isolation is currently being finalized.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker