AT A GLANCE
- Cruise Outbreak: Three passengers have died following a rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius expedition ship, which departed Argentina in April.
- Andes Strain: Health authorities confirmed the presence of the Andes virus, a specific strain capable of human-to-human transmission and carrying a fatality rate of up to 50 per cent.
- Global Response: The World Health Organisation (WHO) is monitoring eight cases across multiple countries, including Argentina, South Africa and Switzerland, as the ship nears the Canary Islands.
SHAH ALAM - A rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has attracted global attention after several passengers became seriously ill and three people died.
The incident has raised particular concern because the virus involved, the Andes strain, is among the few hantaviruses known to be capable of human-to-human transmission.
Although health experts emphasise that hantavirus outbreaks remain uncommon, the cluster of cases aboard the vessel has renewed public interest in how the disease spreads, the symptoms associated with infection and the precautions that can help reduce the risk of transmission.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses from the Hantaviridae family that are primarily carried by rodents. The animals themselves usually do not become sick, but they can spread the virus through their urine, saliva and droppings.
Humans may become infected when virus particles become airborne and are inhaled, especially while cleaning contaminated areas or entering rodent-infested spaces. Infection may also occur through contaminated food or by touching contaminated surfaces before touching the mouth.
According to hantavirus researcher Steven Bradfute, the outbreak aboard the Dutch polar expedition vessel was “definitely a surprise”.
He noted that outbreaks on cruise ships are usually linked to illnesses such as norovirus, E coli or respiratory infections, making this case highly unusual.
Why the Cruise Ship Outbreak Is Raising Concerns
On May 6, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed that the outbreak involved the Andes virus strain.
So far, eight cases have been identified among passengers connected to the voyage between Argentina and the Canary Islands. The cases included three deaths, one critically ill patient, several mild infections and another case later identified in Switzerland.
Most patients reportedly developed symptoms between April 6 and April 28. Early symptoms included fever and gastrointestinal problems before rapidly progressing to pneumonia and in some cases, cardiovascular collapse.
The situation became more concerning after the ship was reportedly denied permission to dock in Cape Verde, leaving passengers confined to their cabins while authorities monitored the outbreak.
What Makes the Andes Virus Different?
More than 40 hantavirus species exist globally and are broadly divided into two categories; Old World and New World hantaviruses.
Old World strains, commonly found in Europe and Asia, mainly affect the kidneys and can cause bleeding disorders. New World strains, which are more common in the Americas, are associated with severe lung complications caused by fluid buildup in the lungs.
The Andes virus belongs to the New World category and is considered particularly dangerous because it can spread from person to person, unlike most hantaviruses which are primarily transmitted through rodents.
Health authorities estimate that infections caused by New World strains can have fatality rates approaching 40 to 50 per cent.
How Common Is Hantavirus?
Globally, hantavirus infections are relatively rare compared to many other infectious diseases. Experts estimate that between 10,000 and 100,000 infections occur annually worldwide, with most cases recorded in Asia and Europe.
In the Americas however, infections are much lower. Roughly 150 to 300 cases each year with Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Bolivia accounting for many of them.
The specific virus strain involved often determines how severe infections become and how authorities respond to contain transmission.
Symptoms People Should Watch For
According to health experts, hantavirus symptoms can appear anywhere between one and eight weeks after exposure. Early symptoms may resemble common viral illnesses and include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
As the disease worsens, patients may develop coughing, breathing difficulties, severe lung complications and in some cases death.
How to Reduce the Risk of Infection
Following the outbreak, the WHO issued advice on reducing hantavirus exposure. The organisation urged people to avoid contact with rodents and recommended several preventive measures, including:
- Keeping homes and workplaces clean
- Sealing openings that allow rodents into buildings
- Storing food properly
- Using safe cleaning methods in contaminated areas
- Avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
- Dampening contaminated surfaces before cleaning
- Practising proper hand hygiene
Authorities believe some passengers may have been exposed during a birdwatching trip in Ushuaia before boarding the cruise ship.
Why Experts Say Panic Is Unnecessary
Although the outbreak has generated comparisons to the early days of Covid-19, experts stress that hantavirus remains relatively uncommon and does not spread as easily as respiratory viruses like coronavirus or influenza.
Nevertheless, the unusual nature of the Andes virus outbreak aboard a cruise ship means public health officials are monitoring developments carefully to prevent wider transmission.
For now, health agencies continue emphasising awareness, hygiene and avoiding rodent exposure as the most effective safeguards.