The World Health Organization has confirmed that five of eight suspected hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship are positive, with three additional cases still under investigation. The announcement came Wednesday as three passengers were evacuated from the ship for medical treatment.
Confirmed cases rise from 1 to 5
The WHO said laboratory results have now confirmed five cases of hantavirus infection among passengers who traveled on the Dutch-operated cruise ship. This is up from one confirmed case reported Sunday. Three other suspected cases remain under observation.
Swiss authorities separately confirmed a case in a passenger who had already left the ship, the WHO said in a social media post Wednesday.
Three passengers evacuated from MV Hondius
Three people were evacuated from the MV Hondius on Wednesday, the WHO confirmed. They were taken to an airport and expected to board a special medevac flight to the Netherlands and Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
“WHO continues to work with the ship's operators to closely monitor the health of passengers and crew, working with countries to support appropriate medical follow-up and evacuation where needed,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, in a social media post confirming the evacuations.
Suspected cases increase from 7 to 8
The WHO reported Wednesday that eight suspected cases of hantavirus have now been recorded among passengers, up from seven reported Tuesday. The increase reflects ongoing monitoring and testing as the ship continues its voyage.
The first confirmed case was announced Sunday, when the WHO said one passenger had tested positive in a laboratory. At that time, five additional cases were classified as suspected.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents. It can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory disease that can be fatal. The Andes strain, which Swiss authorities confirmed in the MV Hondius passenger, is one of the few hantaviruses that can spread from person to person, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Initial symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The disease can progress rapidly to respiratory failure.
The WHO said it is working with the ship’s operator to ensure proper medical follow-up for all passengers and crew.
Ship operator cooperating with health authorities
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is a polar expedition vessel that carries up to 170 passengers. The company has not released a statement since the outbreak began, but the WHO confirmed it is coordinating with the operator to monitor health conditions on board.
The ship’s itinerary and current location have not been disclosed by the WHO or the operator as of Wednesday evening.
Public health response ongoing
Health authorities in multiple countries are involved in the response, including the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain, as the evacuated passengers are being sent to medical facilities in those countries. The WHO said it will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
The agency has not issued travel restrictions related to the MV Hondius, but it advises passengers and crew to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop fever or respiratory problems.
The case count may change as more laboratory results come in, the WHO said.
