Authorities are urgently tracing individuals who had close contact with the MV Hondius cruise ship after a confirmed hantavirus case in Switzerland. The luxury liner, carrying approximately 150 passengers from 23 countries, has been unable to dock following the deaths of three people on board.
Details of the Outbreak
The deceased include a 70-year-old Dutch man who died on April 11 and was removed from the ship at St Helena, along with his 69-year-old wife. Her condition deteriorated during a flight to South Africa, and she died on April 26. Test results on May 4 confirmed she was positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus. Additionally, a German woman died, and a British passenger was evacuated to South Africa, where he remains in critical condition.
Swiss Case and Response
On May 7, Swiss authorities confirmed a hantavirus case in a former passenger who had already disembarked. He sought medical care at a Zurich hospital after receiving an email from the ship's operator about the health crisis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated it is collaborating with countries to initiate contact tracing to minimise the spread of the virus.
In a post on X, the WHO said: "Swiss authorities have confirmed a case of #hantavirus identified in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship. He had responded to an email from the ship’s operator informing the passengers of the health event, and presented himself to a hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and is receiving care. In line with the International Health Regulations (IHR), WHO is working with relevant countries to support international contact tracing, to ensure that those potentially exposed are monitored and that any further disease spread is limited."
Virus Transmission and Monitoring
Hantavirus spreads from animals to humans through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, saliva, or urine. Inhalation of particles from droppings or touching contaminated surfaces can lead to infection. Rodent bites are a rare cause. The WHO confirmed three people were evacuated to the Netherlands for medical care, including British expedition guide Martin Anstee. Additionally, individuals in Georgia, California, and Arizona who disembarked early are being monitored for potential infection.
Ship's Journey and Port Issues
The MV Hondius was stranded off Cape Verde for three days after being denied docking. Spain later offered docking at the Canary Islands, citing it as the closest location with necessary capabilities. However, Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo protested, stating: "I cannot allow [the boat] to enter the Canaries."
