The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning about hantavirus following the deaths of three people on the MV Hondius cruise ship, amid fears the rodent-borne virus could spark a new pandemic. Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, a WHO official, sought to allay concerns, emphasising that this outbreak differs significantly from COVID-19.
Outbreak Details
The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius set sail from Argentina bound for Cape Verde, West Africa, when passengers began falling ill in early April. To date, three individuals have died, with eight suspected cases and three confirmed infections through laboratory tests. Symptoms include fever, gastrointestinal issues, pneumonia, shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
WHO Reassures Public
Dr Van Kerkhove stated: "This is not coronavirus. This is a very different virus; hantavirus has been around for a while. This is not SARS-CoV-2 or a COVID pandemic—this is an outbreak confined to a ship." She highlighted that transmission requires close, intimate contact, unlike the airborne spread of coronaviruses.
WHO confirmed five confirmed cases so far and acknowledged concerns about British nationals. Seven Britons left the ship at St Helena on April 24; two are self-isolating in the UK, while others remain abroad. Four are still on the island, and WHO is liaising with health officials there.
Origins of the Virus
The first two cases were contracted by passengers on a bird-watching trip to Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, areas known for rats carrying hantavirus. WHO is working with Argentine authorities to trace their movements. The cruise ship continues towards the Canary Islands, and WHO assesses the risk of wider spread as low.
Dr Van Kerkhove concluded: "This is not the same situation as six years ago. We understand the questions, but we are providing all available information."
