The unprecedented and deadly cruise ship hantavirus outbreak, explained
Summary
A hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, sailing near West Africa, has infected eight people and caused three deaths. The ship carries 147 people who are currently isolated, and health experts are working on safe disembarkation plans. Authorities are also monitoring 30 passengers who left the ship earlier, but experts say the risk of the virus spreading widely is very low.Key Facts
- The MV Hondius cruise ship started its journey in Argentina on April 1 and is now traveling from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands.
- Eight hantavirus cases have been reported on board, with three deaths.
- Remaining passengers and crew on the ship are staying in their cabins to prevent further spread.
- Thirty passengers who disembarked on St. Helena Island are under monitoring; they come from at least 12 countries, including six from the US.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies say the virus spreads differently from COVID-19 and influenza and the risk to the public is extremely low.
- Hantaviruses cause diseases like hemorrhagic fever with kidney problems and have been known since the 1950s.
- Experts are creating safe procedures for passengers and crew to leave the ship without spreading the virus.
- The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the US CDC confirm low risk of a wider outbreak.
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