The World Health Organization has announced strict isolation and monitoring measures following a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondius, where eight individuals have reportedly been affected, including three deaths and five confirmed infections. Health officials confirmed that the virus involved is the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is considered the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission. The WHO said it currently assesses the broader public health risk as low despite the seriousness of the incident.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during a media briefing that passengers or crew members showing symptoms would be immediately isolated while authorities continue active contact tracing efforts. Officials explained that the Andes virus has an incubation period of up to six weeks, meaning additional cases could still emerge over time. However, WHO representatives stressed that the situation remains manageable and does not resemble the global transmission pattern seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to WHO officials, confirmed hantavirus cases onboard require full isolation while individuals identified as close contacts are being actively monitored for up to 42 days depending on their level of exposure risk. Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said passengers have largely been confined to their cabins as a precautionary measure, with food and water being delivered directly to rooms to minimise contact among travellers and crew members.
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The organisation also confirmed that strict sanitation and protective measures are being implemented throughout the ship. Rooms are reportedly undergoing regular disinfection, and anyone required to leave their cabin must wear medical masks. WHO officials additionally recommended that carers attending to suspected hantavirus patients use enhanced personal protective equipment. Authorities stated that a WHO expert has been deployed onboard to assist with medical assessments and coordinate containment procedures.
Dr Abdirahman Mahamud said global experts familiar with the Andes virus have been consulted to help guide response efforts and minimise transmission risks. WHO officials are also working with multiple countries to coordinate the safe disembarkation and onwards travel of passengers once the vessel reaches port. The organisation noted that all relevant countries have been informed about the potential exposure risks linked to the outbreak.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the incident, WHO officials emphasised that they do not expect the outbreak to develop into a widespread epidemic. Health experts stated that the Andes virus behaves differently from COVID-19 and that existing public health measures are considered sufficient to break the chain of transmission. WHO said its immediate priorities remain ensuring medical care for infected individuals, protecting remaining passengers and crew members, and preventing any further spread of the virus.
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