Three dead as suspected hantavirus outbreak hits Atlantic cruise

WASHINGTON: A possible outbreak of hantavirus aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered global concern after multiple passengers and crew members fell ill while the vessel sailed across the Atlantic Ocean toward Spain’s Canary Islands.

According to international reports, three people linked to the ship have died, while several others remain under treatment or in quarantine as health authorities monitor the situation closely.

The ship, carrying around 146 passengers and crew members from 23 countries, is currently heading toward Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where all individuals on board are expected to undergo medical screening and testing upon arrival.

Reports said a Dutch woman died after testing positive for the virus, while a British passenger remains in intensive care in South Africa. A Swiss national is also receiving treatment at a hospital in Zurich. In addition, a British man, a Dutch crew member, and a German national are among the suspected cases linked to the outbreak.

Some passengers have already been evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment, while others continue to remain isolated on board.

What is Hantavirus

Health experts say hantavirus is not a single disease but a family of viruses usually spread through rodents, particularly rats and mice. The virus is commonly transmitted through exposure to contaminated urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents.

According to medical experts, humans can become infected after inhaling virus particles present in dried rodent waste. In some cases, transmission may also occur through rodent bites.

Experts noted that person-to-person transmission is generally rare. However, a specific strain known as the Andes virus has occasionally shown evidence of spreading through extremely close human contact, mainly in parts of Argentina and Chile.

Illness Caused by Hantavirus

Doctors explained that hantavirus can cause two major illnesses. One is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which initially causes fatigue, fever, and muscle pain before developing into severe breathing difficulties.

The second is Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which may begin with flu-like symptoms but can progress to kidney failure and internal bleeding.

Medical authorities warned that the disease can carry a mortality rate ranging between 20 and 40 percent in severe cases.

There is currently no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment available for hantavirus. However, experts said early medical intervention, oxygen support, ventilators, and intensive care treatment can significantly improve survival chances.

Precautions For Hantavirus

Health officials stressed that maintaining hygiene, isolating infected individuals, washing hands regularly, and avoiding contact with rodents remain the most effective preventive measures.

Despite the alarming situation onboard the MV Hondius, experts said the overall risk to the general public remains low, adding that there is currently no evidence of widespread transmission beyond the cruise ship.

The incident has nevertheless raised fresh concerns about health risks linked to travel in remote natural environments and wildlife regions, where exposure to rodent-borne diseases can increase significantly.