May
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a fresh update regarding the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius.
Operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, the vessel departed from Ushuaia on April 1 carrying 149 people, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members.
Since the voyage began, three individuals have tragically died either aboard the ship or after disembarking following infection with hantavirus, a disease primarily transmitted by rodents.
Although most hantavirus strains are not spread from person to person, rare cases of human transmission have been documented with the Andes strain — the variant identified in this outbreak.
During a press conference today, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus provided an update on the situation.
He confirmed that eight cases have so far been reported, including three deaths. Of these, five cases have been laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus infections, while the remaining three are considered suspected cases.
Dr. Tedros noted that additional infections could still emerge due to the virus’s incubation period.
According to the BBC, the WHO stated that the first infected passengers had visited locations “where the species of rat known to carry the virus was present,” and investigations into the outbreak remain ongoing.
However, Dr. Tedros emphasized that, despite the seriousness of the incident, the WHO currently assesses the overall public health risk as low. Officials have also dismissed concerns that hantavirus could evolve into a global pandemic threat similar to COVID-19.
On Wednesday, May 6, authorities confirmed that three patients had been evacuated from the vessel to receive specialist medical treatment in the Netherlands. The patients include a 41-year-old Dutch man, a 65-year-old German man, and a 56-year-old British man.
What Happens Next for the MV Hondius?
During the briefing, Dr. Tedros explained that the WHO is coordinating with countries whose citizens are aboard the MV Hondius to arrange their safe return home.
He also announced that Argentina would provide 2,500 diagnostic kits to laboratories across five countries.
Maria Van Kerkhove said:
“We are working with all of the countries whose nationals are on board to discuss plans for the safe return of those patients once they disembark and undergo medical evaluation.”
She added:
“It needs to be handled very carefully, but we are working closely with countries regarding onward travel arrangements.”
Van Kerkhove also confirmed that the WHO is collaborating with the ship’s operator on plans for the multinational crew.
“We also have crew members from many different countries, and all governments and the ship’s operators want to ensure they return home safely — minimizing both their own risk and any potential risk to others.”
In addition, the WHO is assisting health authorities in South Africa in tracing contacts linked to two confirmed hantavirus cases in the country, including one British patient who remains in intensive care.
Van Kerkhove stated:
“There have been two confirmed cases in South Africa. One was the second case identified — the wife of the first patient, who sadly passed away. Another patient remains in ICU in South Africa, though we understand this individual is improving.”
She also confirmed that the two patients receiving treatment in the Netherlands are currently in stable condition.
The MV Hondius is now en route to the Canary Islands and is expected to arrive on Saturday, May 9. Upon arrival, all passengers will be evacuated and undergo medical screening.
