WHO confirms 8 cases of hantavirus on Hondius cruise ship, but maintains low risk for public health

The World Health Organization confirmed that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the Hondius cruise ship totals eight cases, including three deaths, while maintaining that “the extraordinary risk to public health remains low.”

The most recent case corresponds to a passenger who returned to Switzerland after the trip and is currently receiving medical care at a scientific institution in Zurich. His diagnosis adds to an international alert that involves multiple countries and health organizations.

“In accordance with the International Health Regulations, WHO is working with affected countries to support international contact tracing,” the agency reported on social media, underscoring the importance of tracing and monitoring exposed people.

So far, three of the 147 passengers have died since the cruise ship left Argentina for the South Atlantic. In addition, other patients have been evacuated to Europe to receive specialized treatment.

The extraordinary director of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reiterated that, despite the seriousness of some cases, “the extraordinary risk to public health remains low.”

Preliminary investigations indicate that the first infections occurred before boarding. However, limited transmission between passengers is not ruled out, especially since it is the Andean hantavirus, a rare variant.

According to recent reports, this strain is “the only known hantavirus strain that can be transmitted from person to person,” although mainly in close contact settings.

What is hantavirus and how is it transmitted?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions, hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause serious diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

“The hantavirus spreads mainly through rodents… especially through exposure to their urine, excrement or saliva,” the agency explains.

The CDC emphasizes that, in most casesis not transmitted between people, although they recognize that the Andes virus is a documented exception.

Symptoms may appear one to eight weeks after exposure and include fever, fatigue and muscle pain, followed in severe cases by respiratory distress.

Additionally, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, so medical care focuses on symptom management and respiratory support.

However, experts agree that, although the event is unusual, it is still controllable. The WHO has insisted on strengthening epidemiological surveillance without raising alarm.

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