Authorities worldwide are racing to trace dozens of passengers who left the MV Hondius cruise ship before a deadly hantavirus outbreak was confirmed. At least 29 people of 12 nationalities disembarked on 24 April, after the first fatality, but before isolation measures were implemented.
The World Health Organization has ruled out a Covid-scale crisis, with Dr Maria Van Kerkhove stating: “This is not the start of an epidemic. This is not the start of a pandemic. This is not Covid.” WHO confirmed five of eight suspected cases and said more may emerge due to the Andes virus's incubation period of up to six weeks.
The outbreak has killed three people and caused global alarm. Hantaviruses are rodent-borne and cause flu-like symptoms, pulmonary syndrome and respiratory failure. The Andes strain can spread through close contact but is less contagious than Covid. No vaccines exist.
Three medically evacuated patients—a 41-year-old doctor, a 65-year-old German passenger, and British expedition guide Martin Anstee, 56—are being treated in the Netherlands. A woman not on the ship is also being tested for hantavirus in an Amsterdam hospital, which would be the first known case outside the vessel.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch operator, said the 29 passengers—including six US and seven British citizens—had been contacted, with most believed to have returned home. Passengers have travelled to Australia, Taiwan, the US, England, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Singapore. Two British passengers are self-isolating with no symptoms, while others in Switzerland, the US, Denmark, and Singapore are being monitored or tested.
The Hondius, with 149 people still on board, departed Cape Verde after being denied docking permission and is heading to Tenerife, Spain. Spanish authorities say there is no public health threat, but the Canary Islands president has requested a meeting with the prime minister over concerns.
